The kislev - tevet 5771 / november - december 2010 Builder c o n g r e g a t i o n b e t h e l

from the rabbis Yismechu: New Shabbat Eve Chanting Service Over the long history of the Jewish Friday of every month, beginning on Friday, November 19th at people, we have sought and found 6:15 pm. The service will be led by Rabbi Reuben Zellman and many different ways to express and members of our Beth El community. Join us for meditative song deepen spiritual practice. Our heritage and chant to welcome in Shabbat, bringing your harmonies and offers us a broad range of customs spirit to share. You are enthusiastically welcomed whether or not and practices—many of which may you think you can sing. The service will last about an hour and be unfamiliar to us as “Jewish.” For those of us who have only will always include the Sh’ma, the Mourner’s Kaddish, and quiet experienced a narrow range of Jewish spiritual practices, these time for the Amidah or reflection. Begin your Shabbat with music alternative yet authentic Jewish forms of expression can be the for your soul! opening to new and meaningful experiences. Our Kabbalat Shabbat services are at 6:15 p.m. every week in On Yom Kippur afternoon the room was filled to overflowing with the Beit Midrash except for the first Shabbat of the month when Beth El members and guests for our first Chanting Service. For an services begin at 8:00 p.m. Shabbat Unplugged is our Family hour, we just sang. We sang wordless melodies and simple, sacred Shabbat usually on the 2nd Friday of the month. Kids are words; we sang new chants and old ones from many corners of welcome, of course, at every service. Please see the calendar the Jewish world. Repeating the sublime music of our people, below for the schedule of upcoming Shabbat evening services. many of us closed our eyes or shed tears. We were all amazed We look forward to singing, praying and celebrating with you. and moved as glorious, spontaneous harmony swelled and we Yismechu… They shall delight in the Shabbat and call it joyful! shared support and community without speaking a word.

Based on the tremendous interest inspired by this gathering, we have added a monthly Shabbat Chanting Service on the third Rabbi Yoel Kahn Rabbi Reuben Zellman

November 5 Friday, December 3rd - Shabbat Chanukah! 8:00 pm Shabbat Evening Service 5:30 Tot Chanukah Celebration Commemorating : 6:15 Latke Extravangaza + potluck supper film about the life of Rabbi Leo Trepp (see p. 2) 7:00 Chanukah Candle Lighting 7:05 Chanukah Unplugged Service November 12 6:15 Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, December 10 6:15 Shabbat Unplugged dinner 6:15 Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00 Shabbat Unplugged service Friday, December 17 November 19 6:15 Yismechu: Chanting Service 6:15 Yismechu: Chanting Service Friday, December 24 November 26 6:15 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15 Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00 Potluck Shabbat supper

Friday, December 31 8:00 Shabbat Shampagne! Shabbat service and champagne oneg 2 from the president

From Strength to Strength On the occasion of the recent renewal of Rabbi Kahn’s contract, I began reflecting on the changes Beth El has seen over the years, and I was reminded of the rationale Commemorating for our founding and the challenges our predecessors faced. Beth El’s beginning in the mid-1940’s was an answer to the need Kristallnacht: for a non-Orthodox congregation and an inclusive religious practice. Compelling stories of holocaust Remembering Rabbi Leo Trepp z”l survival, integration of new immigrants into the congregation, significant barriers to the construction of our buildings, and other (of blessed memory) challenges provided the backdrop and the inspiration for the outpouring of participation and financial support shown by our Friday, November 5 - 8:00 pm predecessors over the years. We sometimes think our generation Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, was a faces unique challenges – uncertain economic times, the decline in synagogue affiliation nationwide, evidence of increasing anti- against Jews throughout Nazi Semitism, threats to Israel’s statehood. But our predecessors and parts of Austria on November 9–10, 1938. faced many barriers too, some much greater than ours. Beth El will commemorate Kristallnacht at Shabbat In spite of, or perhaps spurred on by our challenges, we have services on Friday, November 5, beginning at furthered our original vision and grown to become an inclusive 8:00 pm. Immediately following the service, 500 member-family congregation. We are a big tent with a broad at 9:00 pm, we will screen a German public television spectrum of religious practice, in keeping with the ideals of our founders. And we have so many blessings to celebrate and be special which profiles Rabbi Leo Trepp who was the thankful for at Beth El. Here are just a few: last surviving German rabbi from until his recent death. The 50-minute movie is in English Rabbi Kahn, our dedicated and inspiring spiritual leader, and the phenomenal professional staff he has assembled have and German with English subtitles. created a vision of community engagement that brings a new and refreshing perspective through innovative youth and family On Kristallnacht, Jewish homes and shops and education programs, beautiful music in our sanctuary, enriching multi-generational Jewish learning opportunities, and much more. towns were ransacked. Buildings were attacked with sledgehammers, leaving the streets covered in With the variety of talent and expertise, high level of energy pieces of smashed windows—the origin of the name and clear vision on our Board and Program Council, our lay leadership is poised to move forward with the future directions “Night of Broken Glass.” Around 1,668 synagogues developed in our strategic planning process. Renegotiated were assaulted and 267 were set on fire. Kristallnacht debt, an operating budget that is balanced, and firm financial was followed by further economic and political discipline provide the strong fiscal foundation that will sustain us as we develop creative programs and allow them to flourish. persecution of Jews, and is viewed as the beginning of the Final Solution and the Holocaust. Comfortable upholstered seats and a fantastic new acoustic system contribute to a welcoming environment that substantially enhances the spiritual experience we enjoy in our sanctuary. Rabbi Leo Trepp, a young rabbi who had been ordained two years previously, was the rabbi of I’m sure you can point to other recent “upgrades” to our and the surrounding villages. synagogue life and environment that I haven’t mentioned here. As a congregation, we are gaining strength in many ways. But He was arrested and taken to the Sachsenhausen as our history has shown, in order to sustain a vibrant synagogue concentration camp. He was released after eighteen and meet the challenges faced by each generation, the support days on the condition that he leave Germany and involvement of our entire congregation is essential. Thank you for your participation in sustaining and strengthening our immediately. He first went to England and then to community. America, becoming the first full-time Rabbi of Beth El

in 1947. Rabbi Trepp died on September 2, 2010. Joanne Backman President from the executive director 3

developing our future leaders It seems like yesterday that we were concluding are interested in working with this committee, please let me or our our High Holy Days services with a joyous President, Joanne Backman, know. Simchat Torah celebration and we are already planning for Chanukah, for our winter and This past year we successfully renegotiated our long term debt, spring adult education programs, and yes we significantly reducing our annual interest payments. This has given have started planning next summer’s Camp us the necessary time to develop a long term plan for building Kee Tov program. None of this is possible without financial strength and stability. I noted at our last annual meeting the incredible and passionate commitment of our professional budget presentation that it cost us approximately $3,400 per staff and the volunteer participation of this community. I want to member to support the programs and services we offer. We need take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped Beth El through to manage and maintain the beautiful facility we have, to keep the this month of High Holy Day celebrations. So many people, both lights on, the incredible geothermal system running smoothly and staff and volunteers, pitched in to make everything happen at efficiently, and most importantly to meet our goal of being open just the right moment, that I can’t possibly acknowledge each of and accessible to everyone in our Jewish community regardless you personally. I do want to take a moment to once again thank of their personal financial circumstances. We are able to meet our volunteer usher coordinator, Jerry Weintraub. Jerry not only these financial challenges through a variety of means, through makes sure that we have a full compliment of dedicated ushers and your dues, through fees we charge for programs and services, greeters; he also is always at the front door, continually greeting and through your contributions to our fundraising efforts. As members and guests alike. We like to think of Congregation Beth professional staff it is our responsibility to continually offer quality El as a warm and welcoming community. It is the dedicated actions programs and services, and to do this effectively and in a way that of volunteers like Jerry that make that vision a reality. And I also enables us to take advantage of our incredible resources, both want to acknowledge the members of our amazing Pantry Chug. human and physical. With your generosity we will continue to meet those challenges. This year at Yom Kippur we kicked off an The high level of clergy, staff and volunteer collaboration enabled ambitious annual campaign, with the goal of raising $300,000. us to enjoy a spiritually uplifting season, and that collaboration The end of the calendar year is just around the corner, and this will continue to drive all of our programming for the year. A is the time of year for you to consider an additional charitable central theme of our Strategic Plan will be the importance of donation to Congregation Beth El. Your tzedakah is vital to the enhancing volunteer opportunities at all levels of participation. strength of our community. Our lay leadership is committed to supporting this process and has established a special committee of the Board to implement a Norm Frankel comprehensive leadership development program this year. If you Executive Director

October 15 - 17 at Walker Creek Ranch 4 youth & family education

Connecting Chanukah to Youth & Family Education Calendar Education november 2010 The Jewish calendar is filled with holidays Friday, November 5 B’nei Mitzvah Shabbat Dinner, 6:15 pm throughout the year. Some year, those holidays seem to fall right on time, sometimes late, Saturday, November 6 and in the case this year....sometimes early. Shabba-tot Morning Services, 11:00 am Because our calendar is based on the moon, the dates do shift Thursday, November 11 around a bit. In March, we will be adding an extra month (it is All-School Service called Adar Bet) to adjust the calendar so that Chanukah never (parents encouraged to come at 5:40 pm) falls in the spring, or Passover in the fall. Once the additional month is added in March, the calendar is adjusted and we will be Friday, November 12 Shabbat Unplugged! 6:15 pm dinner, 7:00 pm service celebrating Purim ‘right on time’ on March 19th. Saturday, November 13 So why am I telling you this? Because Chanukah is ‘early’ this B’nei Mitzvah Family Program & Havdalah, 2:30-5:30 pm year. Yes, our Chanukah Bazaar is Sunday of Thanksgiving Tuesday, November 16 weekend, and our Chanukah celebrations begin the first week Education Coffee Talk, 5:30-6:15 pm of December. Mark you calendar...Friday, December 3rd is our Chanukah celebration and Latke Fest, and December 4th is our Friday, November 19 - Sunday, November 21 Chanukah Family Program. Fall Kallah for 3rd-6th grade at Camp Newman Sunday, November 21 On Friday night, we will be lighting the Chanukah candles together B’nei Mitzvah Service Learning Project #2 as a community and celebrating Shabbat as well. We will begin at 5:30 pm with a Tot program in the Beit Midrash. Families Tuesday, November 23 Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration with young children (0-5) are invited to come sing songs and hear Chanukah stories. Our potluck dinner will begin at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, November 23 - Saturday, November 27 which includes tasty latkes prepared by the Men’s Club. At 7:00, THANKSGIVING VACATION - NO CLASSES we will light the Chanukah candles and have a family Chanukah Shabbat service for all to enjoy! december 2010 Thursday, December 2 And the celebration doesn’t end there! On Saturday morning, we All-School Service will launch the first of four family education programs for this year. (parents encouraged to come at 5:40 pm) Join the Chug Mishpacha (Shabbat family school) for a Chanukah Friday, December 3 program from 9:30 am-11:45 am. This program is geared Dinner & Latke Fest, 6:00 pm toward families with kids ages 5-12, but everyone is welcome! Chanukah Candle Lighting & Family Celebration, 7:00 PM The word ‘chanukah’ means ‘dedication’, and the Hebrew word Saturday, December 4 for education, ‘chinuch’, also comes from the same root as does Family Chanukah Celebration and Room Chanukah. This morning’s program will include making mezuzot Dedications, 9:30 am for our classrooms, and then having a ‘chanukat habayit’ (house Tuesday, December 7 dedication) to mount the mezuzot. So on December 4th, we will B’nei Mitzvah Speech Class 2011 (half the class), literally be dedicating ourselves to Jewish education, and we hope 4:00-6:00 pm you will join us! Saturday, December 11 Shabbat Morning Unplugged, 10:15 am

Sunday, December 12 Mark your calendars, the other family education programs are B’nei Mitzvah Service Learning #3 on January 19th, March 19th, and April 10th! We hope to see you there! Tuesday, December 14 Education Committee Meeting (open to all) 8:00 pm

L’shalom, Thursday, December 16 Debra Massey All-School Service (parents encouraged to come at 5:40 pm) Director of Education Tuesday, December 21 - Thursday, January 6 WINTER BREAK - NO CLASSES 5

back to school L’dor V’dor forward to Traditions die hard at Camp Kee Tov. chanukah For example, Tilden Park has been home to After our very new beginnings and holiday CKT for over 40 years; ice cream has been preparations and observances, October was given to campers for snack on Shabbat since the time for our annual Back-to-School nights. the late ‘60s; and pasta and burrito night, well, During these evenings, parents participate in let’s just say that campers and staff alike have classroom activities and learn what to expect from their children grown accustomed to this camp-out menu. during the coming year and how our school curriculum supports and encourages the development of their children. Each of our I had the pleasure of meeting Camp Kee Tov’s first Director, three classes had its own special evening for parents and teachers Norm Katz, at Yom Kippur services in September. Directing from to get together. 1967-1971, he laid the foundation for what would become the best Jewish summer camp in the Bay Area. Jewish values, The Nursery School will be very busy in late November and an amazing staff and energetic kids were an instant recipe for early December learning about, preparing for and celebrating success. Chanukah. The story, songs, symbols, foods, and traditions of Chanukah provide many exciting experiences and activities for When talking with him, I learned that, well, not a whole lot has young children and their families. Our Chanukah activities will changed since 1967! Sure, the size of camp has dramatically culminate (as the holiday actually begins) with our All School increased with the arrival of multiple programs since the early Chanukah Shabbat on Friday, December 3 at 12:30 pm in the days. (Habonim and Giborim were the only original programs). beit midrash/chapel. We invite all nursery school families join But the core concepts of Kee Tov -- community, friendship and us for candle lighting and singing. Many of us will continue ruach -- still resonate loudly 43 years later. celebrating that evening at the Tot Chanukah Celebration, latke dinner and service. Many of the original traditions of camp, including beginning the day with kumsitz skits, milk at lunch and a picnic on the last day Looking to the future, we are accepting applications for our of camp to conclude the session, have been handed down from 2011-2012 school year. Please call the Nursery School office generation to generation. at 848-9428 ext 219 or email at [email protected] to request a brochure, information and application if you are Yet over the years, many new traditions have emerged; traditions interested. Congregation members receive priority enrollment that will continue to be passed along through the years. status. We will have an informational meeting about the Beth El Nursery School for prospective families on January 12th. After Messy Day: a camper and counselor favorite (who knew being the meeting, we will make appointments for parents to observe covered in paint, shaving cream and oobleck could be so fun?!), the school. These visits will take place in late January and early Messy Day wasn’t created until sometime in the ‘80s. February. Fuzzy Milk: the creator is unknown, but this action of slowly Barbara Kanter pouring milk to get it to bubble towards the top wasn’t created Director until at least the mid-90s. Ice cream sandwiches: With the closure of the ice-cream-cup company (guess ice cream isn’t recession-proof), we turned to ice cream sandwiches for snack on Shabbat beginning last year. Result: HUGE success. (Tradition-starting credit: Adam Ganes, 2009)

As Camp Kee Tov approaches its 45th-year anniversary and, further down the road, its 50th, many of the pillars that the Camp Kee Tov was built on remain intact. Summer 2011 What are your favorite Camp Kee Tov traditions? Send us your Registration suggestions at [email protected]. is coming soon! Traditions may die hard. But new ones can start like that.

www.campkeetov.org Zach Landres-Schnur Director 6 member corner

spread the joy--invite a friend Happy Fall! I’m still humming those beautiful Bigger/Biggest: High Holy Day prayers made even more *Do you know media outlets that would be good places for us to special this year by our adult choir and Rabbi announce programs and activities to make Beth El more visible in Reuben. To keep the music flowing, Reuben the community, and/or can you help us access them? has agreed to create a CD of our traditional Shabbat melodies and the lovely ones *Can you join the Membership Committee! We need more hands he’s introduced. Look for it in early 2011. to work on subcommittees in the areas of member recruitment, outreach/inreach and retention. You can participate even if you The level of energy and sense of warmth that now radiates can’t make meetings; we keep great meeting minutes and will throughout the synagogue, thanks to our terrific clergy, staff and keep you in the loop. If there’s a core of people who can meet volunteers, has made Beth El “the” place to be. We’ve welcomed during the day, we can have a second group meeting then. many new members and thank those who continue to be part of the Beth El family. As always, please let me know if there is anything we can do to enhance your experience at Congregation Beth El. You’ll be able to “spread the joy”, so to speak, at the “Invite-A- Friend” Shabbats planned for this year. Many of us have friends L’shalom who are only a nudge away from checking out our community or Nancy Turak joining. The more friends the merrier, so start thinking about your Membership Chair list of invitees! [email protected] / 510.527.3779

Our Chavurot (friendship groups) program is going strong. To join or form a new group, please fill out our Chavurah survey (in New Member Welcome packets and in the office, at [email protected].) We hope to have a Chavurah for Young Adults in their 20s-30s, married and single. We now Todah Rabbah! have a critical mass around whom we can create social and other events of interests. If you have an adult child or know anyone in this age category, please tell them about our plans, and/or have them contact me.

It’s shocking, but we have not run out of volunteer opportunities! Here are a few of them, arranged by time commitment. E-mail me at [email protected] if you can help with these or any jobs.

Itsy-bitsy tasks: *New Member Ambassadors” call to greet new members and check in with them occasionally during the year to see how things are going. Take on just one member a year! (E-mail Lynne Fingerman at [email protected].)

*Many prospective members try out services on Friday nights. We are deeply appreciative of the gift of two new If you can attend one service, serve as a greeter, or bring a small silver Torah pointers from Beth El families. amount of food for an Oneg, great!

Bigger than itsy-bitsy but not huge: A silver yad was presented to the synagogue on *We need colorful flyers to increase the visibility and attractiveness behalf of the 2007 b’nai mitzvah class; a second of our programs to members and prospects. Could you design one flyer during the year? yad was donated by Eli and David Wallach and their family in honor of Rabbi Kahn. *Help plan a new member brunch event, a special Shabbat, or one-time program. We have “how-to” instructions to help. member corner 7

B’NAI MITZVAH WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS: Molly Aaronson-Gelb & Jonathan Spector Ethan Andelman & Laura Mytels Deirdre Arima Daniel & Michal Bar Zoe & Alex Bayen The congregation is cordially invited to attend as our daughter, Jessica Brier Emily Supple is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow. Heather Cutter Patrick & Debbie Supple Judy Fendell & Deb Hummel Meg & Doug Freifeld Shelley Friedkin Alex & Natalie Gaysinsky Tsufit & Elad Gross Tracy Hollander & Noah Lebowitz Steve Kurzman & Kim Nies

The congregation is cordially invited to attend as our daughter, Bruce Linton & Carolyn Sweeney Alyssa Alishoev is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Chang & Shira Liu Saturday, November 13, 2010, at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow. Julia Reydel & Alexander Alishoev Thomas & Amy Lurquin Anne Munter Abigail & Craig Rudnick David Salesin & Ondi Lingenfelter Eric Schickler & Terri Bimes Jenn Schindel & Charlie Rockman Nila & Gregory Rosen Elliot & Gwendolyn Slamovich The congregation is cordially invited to attend as our daughter, Alan Spector India Derewetzky is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, November 20, 2010, at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow. Tony & Madelyn Stone Marc Derewetzky & Jennifer Kawar Bracha Tannenbaum Benjamin Wolfe Caleb Wolfson-Seeley & Sarah Olsen 8 youth group news! Wow! The beginning of the year Youth Group has just flown by. Our youth groups have been busy on retreats, roller Calendar skating, and doing great work in the community. Thanks to the help from the Beth El community and the hard All of Beth El’s youth are encouraged to work of our teens we now have a youth join us for the following events: lounge! All of our groups have exciting events coming up in November & november 2010 December. November 19 - 21 Ruach our 4th and 5th graders just had their first Shabbaton Camp Newman Fall Kallah 3rd- 6th grades weekend with Beth El and they are now invited to go to Camp Newman for Fall Kallah November 19-21. There is also a Ruach November 23 - Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Chanukah Party during Beth El’s LatkeFest Friday, December BEY Lounge Night, 5:00 - 7:00 pm 3 in the youth lounge! Our Sababa board is hard at work to offering dinner & discussion for teens of different plan a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament & Bake Sale Fundraiser to faiths around the Bay Area benefit Nothing But Nets. More information is coming soon… 9th-12th grades Registrations will also be available soon for Camp Newman’s West Coast Party Jr. January 14-17. 6th-8th graders prepare to take over Camp Newman for the weekend and have an amazing december 2010 time! The 2nd Annual Sababa Ski Trip is February 6, 2011. Save the Date! December 3 - Latke Fest Ruach! Chanukah Party, 5:30 - 9:00 pm in the Youth Lounge BEY, Beth El Youth, just enjoyed a fantastic weekend with NFTY- 4th-5th graders CWR (North American Federation of Temple Youth – Central West Region) at the Leadership Training Institute, and we are looking December 10-12 forward to both NFTY-CWR Fall Inter, December 10-12 and NFTY NFTY-CWR Fall Inter at Camp Newman Convention February 18-22. Early bird sign-ups for both of these 9th-12th graders are in November so let us know soon if you want to attend! We are hosting a Multi-Faith Thanksgiving celebration of our just for December 12 teens on November 23rd. Come for dinner and open discussion Sababa 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament & Bake Sale with teens from different faiths across the East Bay. We are also to benefit Nothing But Nets having an Open Mic Lounge Night Thursday, December 13th. December 16 Come check it out. BEY Lounge Night & Open Mic Night, 6:15 - 9:00 pm 9th-12th graders For more information about Congregation Beth El youth groups or to sign-up for any of the above events please contact me at [email protected].

Rebecca DePalma Youth Group Advisor

Registration Deadlines for Regional, National & International Events

November 1 - Deadline to apply for Scholarship for NFTY Convention for 9th -12th graders (event dates Feb. 18-22) November 8 - Early Bird Deadline for Fall Kallah Registration for 3rd-6th graders (event dates Nov. 19-21) November 16 - Early Bird Deadline for NFTY Convention Registration for 9th -12th graders (event dates Feb. 18-22) November 22 - Early Bird Deadline for NFTY-CWR Fall Inter Registration for 9th - 12th graders (event dates Dec. 10-12) December 29 - Early Bird Deadline to Register for West Coast Party Jr. for 6th-8th graders (event dates January 14-17) 9 UPCOMING EVENTS Global Day of Jewish Learning Sunday, November 7 • 10:00 am - 1:00pm at the JCC East Bay Beth El will join the JCC of the East Bay for snacks, schmoozing and studying as the East Bay Jewish community celebrates the Global Day of Jewish Learning, a world-wide celebration in honor of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, who is completing his landmark 45-volume translation and commentary of the Talmud. This free event will include classes taught by local rabbis and academics on Jewish topics ranging from Talmud and texts to modern literature and philosophy.

At 10:30 am, Rabbi Yoel Kahn will teach the first session of his new, open-ended adult study class, Roots and Branches. A multi-year exploration of the core texts and ideas of the Jewish religious tradition, this class will meet in future on Sunday mornings from 10:00–11:30 am at Beth El when Midrasha is in session. This first class, on November 7, will begin at 10:30 am at the JCC in conjunction with the Global Day of Jewish Learning. The topic of the opening session is From Genesis to Job: Ideas of Divinity in the Hebrew Bible. For more information and detailed schedule, visit www.jcceastbay.org/jewish_life. Roots and Branches: Texts and Ideas of the Jewish Tradition 1st session - Sunday, November 7 •10:30-11:30 am at the JCC East Bay All other sessions - Sunday mornings through December 11 • 10:00 -11: 30 am at Beth El No class November 28 / Winter series begins January 8 An open-ended, on-going exploration of the core ideas and texts of the Jewish tradition--starting with the widely diverse theologies contained within the Torah and the Hebrew Bible and continuing forward in Jewish history... We will begin “At the beginning” and go forward ...ideally for a long time! “My intention is to begin a multi-year, on-going exploration of the central texts and ideas of the Jewish tradition, beginning with God - whose portrayal in the Hebrew Bible is more nuanced and contradictory than many of us imagine.” Open to everyone; free; drop-ins welcome!

Congregation Beth El Adult Education presents...

“Chai”...in pursuit of Life Long Learning Second Thursday of each month - 12:00 to 1:30 pm Check out our exciting fall line up! November 11, 2010 • 12:00 pm - Emma Goldman Lives - Reflections on a Life of Social Justice led by Candace Falk, Editor and Director of the Emma Goldman Papers Project, at the University of California, Berkeley Dr. Falk is a recognized biographer of Emma Goldman. She is the author of Love, Anarchy and Emma Goldman.

December 9, 2010 • 12:00 pm - Memory Through the Life-course with Vivian Clayton, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, specializing in geriatric neuropsychology

Please bring a bag lunch. Desert and drinks will be provided. For more information, please contact Miriam Schiffman at [email protected] or call 510-749-9687 Lunch and Learn events are open to the entire congregation and community. Donations can be made to Beth El Adult Education. 10 library

Is It Good for the Jews?–– by Adam Biro, is more stories from the old country and the new, by the author of Two Jews on a Train, his first collection of such stories. Reviews in 4 countries praise this book, whose short stories take place on 3 continents, though the author clearly states that to be Jewish and Hungarian are the most precious jewels in the crown of Creation.

NEW Rabbi George Vida was a Hungarian Jew. The library now has BOOKS IN his book, From Doom to Dawn: A Jewish Chaplain’s Story of THE LIBRARY Displaced Persons, and a short collection of short stories, Loving Journey, by his wife Emmie Vida. The memory of these two is If you donate to the Plishner and Vida funds, you help buy books for especially blessed here at Beth El, and there is no need to write the children and adult libraries. Here are some new adult books: more about these accounts they left us. The copy of the rabbi’s book has an inscription by his widow. It’s very good to have these Tell the Children: Letters to Miriam, praised by Elie Wiesel, is the in the library, where the rabbi’s and Emmie’s names are on a wall. autobiography of Dora Apsan Sorell of Berkeley, written as letters to her first grandchild. Here she tells of growing up in a small Scott Spear town in Romania, and the Hungarian and German occupations, Library Chair finally coming here to become a physician. John Felstiner calls this book distinctive even among the charged and eloquent survivor memoirs for its reach and specificity, clear voice and astonishing recall, its human stamp and spiritual strength.

Early Modern Jewry: A New Cultural History is by David Ruderman, professor and director of modern Jewish History at the University of Pennsylvania and specialist in this period of our history. He explores here five crucial characteristics uniting The Chorus Sings for Thanksgiving! Jewish communities: increased mobility and enhanced contacts, Rehearsals: heightened sense of communal cohesion, the knowledge explosion Wednesdays, November 3, 10 & 17 • 7:00 - 8:45 pm of the time, the greater interest of Christians in Jewish books, a crisis of rabbinic authority, and the blurring of religious identities, Multi-faith Thanksgiving Service: from Krakow and Venice to Amsterdam and Smyrna, from the Tuesday November 23 • 7:00 pm at Beth El 15th to the 18th centuries. Join the chorus and represent Beth El at the Jews of the Pacific Coast: Reinventing Community on America’s 12th Annual Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Service on Edge, by three Jewish historians of the West Coast, tells of the November 23rd. Our sanctuary will be filled with creation of a distinctive Jewish identity here on our coast, where song and prayer as we host congregations and Jews did not have to accommodate to a previously existing social choruses from around the city. Our chorus will milieu but were active in its creation from the beginning, thus focus this year on gospel-style Jewish music of having an impact unusual upon our society. A photo taken in gratitude and unity. Berkeley is on the dust cover. No musical background needed! Rehearsals will The Assyrian destruction of the kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE take place in the sanctuary. In addition to sheet brought about an enduring legend––quite aside from history–– music, rehearsal CDs will be available to all singers told in The Ten Lost Tribes: A World History, by Zvi Ben-Dor Benite, who would find them useful in learning the music. of NYU. For over two millennia, these “lost” tribes were searched for––and often “found,” in places such as Argentina, Zululand, Please email Rabbi Reuben Zellman the American Southwest, and Southeast Asia. The book is about at [email protected], the visionaries and dreamers who have searched throughout the or call 510-848-3988 x228, to let ages for the “lost tribes.” In the 16th century it was first alleged him know that you’ll be singing that the American Indians were the lost tribes, but they have also with us, or for any turned up in Ethiopia and, indeed, all over the world. questions. The Eight Chapters of Maimonides on Ethics (Shemonah Perakim): A Psychological and Ethical Treatise is the author’s introduction to his commentary on Pirke Avot. Here he explains the psychology of ethical behavior, mixing his knowledge of Torah, the rabbis, and medicine, with theology. He tells us we have a duty to enjoy life. 11

FROM THE gift shop This is the season when the shop is bulging with new merchandise in anticipation of Chanukah. The holiday’s first night is December 1st, just time enough to put away the Thanksgiving dishes! Our annual Bazaar will take place on Sunday, November 28 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and we expect to be busy during the week as well. In addition to our normal schedule (Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm), we will be open on Sunday mornings November 21st and December 5th. It is not too early to select your chanukiot (menorahs), candles, gelt, decorations, games and gifts of all kinds. We are stocking many items suitable for teachers or employees gifts.

To set up the Bazaar it takes all hands on deck! If you can volunteer for a couple of hours on Saturday November 27 or Sunday November 28, please call Odette at 510-526-4917. We need helpers to set up the latke lunch as well, so don’t be shy, this can be a fun community building task.

Bring your family, your friends and neighbors and join us to shop, eat and shmooze at this great Beth El tradition!

Odette and Robinn Odette Blachman - [email protected]

Congregation Beth El invites you to our annual Chanukah Bazaar The place to shop for all your holiday gift needs! Sunday, November 28 • 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Cafe with latkes and other delicious treats!

Menorahs • Jewelry • Jewish Music

Books • Toys and Games for all ages

Gift Certificates • Party Supplies

and much more...

Bring your friends! Shop early! The first night of Chanukah is Wednesday, December 1, 2010 Open to the community. All are welcome.

Congregation Beth El • 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley • 510-848-3988 • www.bethelberkeley.org 12

MITZVAH FUND Joan & Steve Ominsky in honor of Lois & Gary Marcus’ 50th wedding anniversary Tzedakah MUSIC FUND Joanne Backman & Harry Pollack in honor of Alan & AARON PLISHNER LIBRARY FUND Paula Statman’s 25th wedding anniversary Ruth & Scott Spear Geoff Colton & Dana Gordon in honor of Alan & Paula Fran Alexander in memory of Mildred Schoenfeld Statman’s 25th wedding anniversary Phyllis Zisman in memory of Naomi Wollins Goldberg Joan & Steve Ominsky in memory of Samuel M. Blender Phyllis Zisman in memory of Saul Wollins Bernard & Sally Stein in honor of Alan & Paula Statman’s 25th wedding anniversary ARJMAND ADULT EDUCATION FUND Beverly & Richard Eigner NURSERY SCHOOL FUND Ruth & Scott Spear in honor of Beverly Eigner Allan & Elaine Sobel Barbara Kanter in honor of Emma Gobler being called to the BUILDING FUND Torah as a Bat Mitzvah Katherine Weinstein ONEG/KIDDISH FUND CAMP KEE TOV SCHOLARSHIP FUND Joan & Steve Ominsky in honor of the Break the Fast cooks Rosa & Jack Mayeri in memory of Noor Yashar Sondra & Herb Napell in memory of Emanuel Matkowsky RABBI YOEL KAHN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Janet Byron COMPLETE THE SANCTUARY FUND Vivian Clayton in memory of Laddie Graham Barbara Blachman in memory of Robert Blachman Martin & Jill Dodd in memory of Nancy Dodd and Irma Siegel Edward & Estha Blachman in memory of Robert Blachman Martin & Jill Dodd in honor of Alan & Paula Statman’s Joseph & Robyn Blachman in memory of Robert Blachman 25th wedding anniversary Martin & Selma Graham in memory of Laddie Lisa Graham GENERAL FUND Amy Resner & William Lee in memory of Gerald Resner Monty Garretson Adam Schwartz & Sophia Contreras in appreciation of Edward Holly Rabbi Kahn Joanne Backman & Harry Pollack in memory of Ed Vine & Ellen Singer-Vine in appreciation of Rabbi Kahn Edmund Backman Marilyn & Marv Brenner in honor of the birth of their RABBI VIDA LIBRARY FUND granddaughter Ava Ruth & Scott Spear Mona Cain in honor of Emma Gobler being called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah SOCIAL ACTION FUND Steven Joseph & Corey Hansen-Joseph in memory of Sol Joseph Richard & Christine Aptaker Steven Joseph & Corey Hansen-Joseph in memory of Elizabeth & Steven Branoff Belle Rosenstein Joseph Alfred & Anita Cotton Steven Joseph & Corey Hansen-Joseph in memory of Monty Garretson Barbara Borwick Hansen Munoz Elio Gizzi & Valerie Gutwirth Adean & Stephen Kane in memory of Bill Klemtner Neil Gozan & Gale Antokal Marv Pearlstein in memory of Mildred Breakstone Dan & Robinn Magid Mayer & Linda Riff in memory of Paul Sipes Mayer & Linda Riff in memory of Rose Riff TED COHN MENTORSHIP FUND Marcel & Margrit Schurman in memory of Mina Turkavka Ruth & Michael Lando in honor of the marriage of Katherine Weinstein in memory of Terry Weinstein Adrienne Cohn and James du Bois Jerry Weintraub in memory of Jacqueline Brown YOUTH EDUCATION FUND HOMELESS MEAL PROGRAM Marc Derewetzky & Jennifer Kawar Clarke & Maria Daniels Dan & Robinn Magid Ruth Ehrenkrantz & Spencer Klein Kelley Meade & Harry Clewans Joan Alexander in memory of Janet Sachs-Weintraub Alexander & Izabella Zheleznyak Fran Alexander in memory of Dora & William Connolly Linda & Theodore Liebman in honor of Emma Gobler being called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah 13

Annual Campaign 5771 Thank You! We want to gratefully acknowledge our members who have already generously contributed to our annual appeal. On behalf of our congregational leadership, we want to thank each of you for your participation in and support for Beth El - for your involvement, for your ideas and energy, and for your commitment to the future of our synagogue. Our entire community appreciates your ongoing generosity.

Your gift to our 5771 Annual Fund enables us to provide the diversity and quality of programs we cherish, and will ensure that Beth El remains welcoming to all who wish to join us, even in the toughest of economic times.

Please join us in the mitzvah of tzedakah through your financial contribution and together we will meet our goals.

Richard & Christine Aptaker Joanne King Jeanne Bamberger Robert Kramer Peter Barnes David Lerman & Carmen Domingo Nevin Berger & Lisa Norman Neil & Jane Levy Bonnie Bishop Bruce Linton & Carolyn Sweeney Lesley Bonnet & David Matson Lee Mazel-Gee Ruth & Michael Botchan Lisa, Brian, Zane & Tia Meckler Alfred & Anita Cotton Lloyd Morgan Clarke & Maria Daniels Sondra & Herb Napell Martin & Jill Dodd Noushin Pirnazar Scott & Julie Drummond Julie & Eddie Pledger Ruth Ehrenkrantz & Spencer Klein Ethel Ratner David & Anita Fields Katherine Haynes Sanstad & Alan Sanstad Elio Gizzi & Valerie Gutwirth Stanley & Miriam Schiffman Nasrine Greene Scott & Ruth Spear Vida & Siavash Hamadani Alan & Paula Statman Gal & Lilach Hochman Robert & Marion Trentman-Morelli Betty Kalis Phyllis Zisman Clara Kates 14

TORAH STUDY Meets Shabbat Morning (Saturday) in the Beit Midrash at 9:15am

November 6, 2010 Parashat Toldot Genesis 25:19-28:9 Led by Lisa Feldman

Challenge yourself. November 13, 2010 Discover your values. Parashat Vayetzei Imagine your future. Genesis 28:10-32:3 Led by Stan Schiffman Jewish Community High School November 20, 2010 OPEN HOUSE Parashat Vayishlach Genesis 32:4-36:43 October 17 & December 5 Ř 2-4 p.m. Led by Stu Berman RSVP at 415.345.9777 x124 JCHS | November 27, 2010 1835 Ellis Street | | www.jchsofthebay.org Parashat Vayeshev Genesis 37:1-40:23 Led by Jeff Brand

December 4, 2010 Parashat Miketz Genesis 41:1-44:17 Led by Rabbi Yoel Kahn

December 11, 2010 Parashat Vayigash Genesis 44:18-47:27 Led by Ronna Honigman

December 18, 2010 Parashat Vayechi Genesis 47:28-50:26 Led by Bob Brandfon

December 25, 2010 Parashat Shemot Exodus 1:1-6:1 Led by Sara Kupor 15

midrasha homeless meal I often write in this column, asking you to do For more than twenty years, neither rain nor sleet nor Jewish something for Midrasha, but this month I’m holidays have gotten in the way of Beth El’s commitment to going to tell you what Midrasha can do for provide a hot meal to the hungry of our community on the third YOU. Sunday of the month.

First, do you know we have a job bank of teens It takes about 40 volunteers and $900 (independent of any Beth willing to work for you? When they register, El general funds) to put on the meal each month. This includes Midrasha students are asked if they want to the webmaster , who created and monitors the sign-ups; those make their names available to people looking for teens to babysit, who are responsible for sending out of reminders, the shopping, help with their computers or in their office, do housework, moving the ticket-handling, the cooking, the serving, the errand-runners, or lifting, work in the garden, tutor their younger children, pet sit, the cleaning, and the providing of outside security—not to neglect help build or dismantle their sukkah (remember that for next year!), mentioning our vital custodial service. As needs have increased, or help at parties. If you would like a copy of the list, e-mail us at: we have also increased the services we provide in conjunction with [email protected] or call the Midrasha office, 510-843-4667. the monthly meal. These regularly include distribution of donated clothing, backpacks, and blankets—with a particular need for And we have another treat for you as well. Sunday, November 7 socks. Over the last year, we have added a drop-in medical is our Annual Brunch. It’s the one day we welcome members of clinic in conjunction with the medical students at the UC Berkeley the community into classes. Everyone arrives (and if you don’t School of Public Health’s Suitcase Clinic, with medical services know, Midrasha meets at Beth El, 1301 Oxford St. in Berkeley) at donated by a cadre of physicians whose malpractice coverage is 9:30 am and we have a scrumptious breakfast.. Then at 10:30 provided by Lifelong Medical Care in Berkeley. Intermittently, we and again at 11:30 you get to take any class you like, taught by have offered student-run legal clinics. the charismatic and talented Midrasha faculty. Some teachers teach classes similar to ones they teach the teens every week and All these services are dependent on the contributions of volunteers— others create special classes just for this event. In any case, you’ll those who participate directly at the meals, those who bring in get a flavor of Midrasha. Classes always are diverse - and much clothing, etc., during the month and leave them in the red rubber more. Some classes are very serious and others just for fun. You cans in the upstairs gallery near the staircase; those who make are in the driver’s seat and go to the ones you want. And you’ll memorial or simcha donations to the Homeless Dinner fund to get to study with both adults and teens. allow us to purchase the food and supplies (including medical supplies) we use; and those who directly share their time and There will be classes on Israeli Dance, finding Jewish themes talents. We need you to continue to offer this array of tangible in children’s picture books, protest music, Judaism and nature, and intangible support. Please come and join us – working at Jewish-Muslim relationships in Morocco, the revitalization of the the Dinner is a great family tradition. Go to www.bethelberkeley. Hebrew language, youth pioneering in Israel, hunting Eichmann, org and click on Homeless Dinner to sign up. Checks made out art and meditation, Talumd, dating and Judaism and the body…. to Beth El, with a notation that they are to support the Homeless and more. Dinner are vital and greatly appreciated.

Please come and enjoy Midrasha’s gift to you. Thank you. This is an ongoing commitment that makes us proud to be part of this generous Beth El community. Diane Bernbaum Director Adele Amodeo, Ellie Goldstein-Erickson and Ruth Spear Homeless Meal Chairs It’s Turkey Drive Time! For the past 10 years Beth El has supported the Alameda County Food Bank in feeding hungry people during the holiday season through its annual Turkey Drive. Flyers and mailing envelopes went out last week. Just $20 feeds a holiday dinner for 4 people so please consider giving to this worthy cause by sending in your donation as early as possible. We’d like to send a great big check to the Food Bank by mid-November. Thank you for your kind support! 16 contributions

t is a Jewish tradition to give Tzedakah to commemorate life cycle events and other occasions. Are you celebrating a birthday, engagement, anniversary, baby naming, Bat/Bar Mitzvah or a recovery from illness? These are just a Ifew ideas of appropriate times to commemorate with a donation to Beth El. These tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated and are a vital financial supplement to support the wonderful variety of programs and activities that we offer at Congregation Beth El. Thank you for your support.

CONGREGATION BETH EL Fund Contributions This contribution of $______is □ in Memory of* □ in Honor of* *

Please credit the fund checked below:

Contribution Acknowledge

From: To:

Address Address

□ General Fund - Use Where Most Needed □ Marian Magid Memorial Fund

□ Aaron Plishner Children Library □ Men’s Club

□ Arjmand Adult Education Fund □ Mitzvah Committee

□ Blachman Emergency Fund □ Music Fund

□ Building Fund □ Nursery School Fund

□ Camp Kee Tov Scholarship Fund □ Oneg/Kiddush Fund

□ Chevra Kadisha Fund □ Prayerbook Fund

□ David Cotton Memorial Swig Fund □ Rabbi’s Kahn’s Discretionary Fund

□ Ellen Meyer Childcare Fund □ Rabbi Emeritus’ Raj’s Discretionary Fund

□ Endowment Fund □ Rabbi Vida Library Fund

□ Freed Flower Fund □ Religious School Fund

□ Homeless Meal Program □ Social Action Fund

□ Israel Scholarship Fund □ Youth Groups Fund

□ Bar Lev Landscape Fund □ ______

Thank you for your generosity. Please make checks payable to Congregation Beth El and mail to 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA 94709 calendar 17

November 2010 / Cheshvan - Kislev 5771 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 9:30a Baby 7:00p Board Meeting 7:00p Chorus 6:15p Sababa 6:15p B’nai Mitzvah 8:30a Early Minyan Playgroup Rehearsals Meeting Shabbat Dinners NS - 9:15a Torah Study Nursery School 7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg. 7:00p Lehrhaus/Adv. 8:00p Shabbat Modern Hebrew Modern Hebrew Evening Service 10:15a Shabbat YAFE - Morning Service Youth and Family 8:25p Lehrhaus/Int. 9:00p Kristallnacht Education Modern Hebrew Commemoration 11:00a Shabbat Tot Services

Bat Mitzvah - Emily Supple

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9:30a Baby 7:30p Ritual 6:15p Sababa Board 12:00p Chai Lunch 6:15p Shabbat 8:30a Early Minyan

Playgroup Committee Forums Evening Service 7:00p Chorus Rehrsl. 9:15a Torah Study

7:00p LOCCNA Mtg. 7:00p CBCO Training 6:15p Shabbat 10:15a Shabbat Morning Service 7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg. Unplugged Dinner Modern Hebrew 7:00p Lehrhaus/Adv. Bat Mitzvah - Modern Hebrew 7:00p Shabbat 7:15p Adult Ed - The Alyssa Alishoev Unplugged Service Prophets 2:30p B’nai Mitzvah 7:30 House Comm. Family Program & Havdalah 8:25p Lehrhaus/Int. Modern Hebrew

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9:30a Baby 5:30p Education 6:00 Finance 6:15p Madrachim 6:15p Shabbat 8:30a Early Minyan Playgroup “Coffee Talks” Committee Training Evening Service

9:15a Torah Study 7:00p Chorus 6:15p Youth 7:00p East Bay New Rehearsals Committee & Expectant Moms 10:15a Shabbat 7:30p Adult Ed - Morning Service 7:15p Program Jewish Literature 7:00p Lehrhaus/Adv. Council 7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg. Modern Hebrew Bat Mitzvah - Modern Hebrew India Derewetzky 8:25p Lehrhaus/Int. Modern Hebrew

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2:00p Homeless 9:30a Baby 5:00p Multi-faith THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING 8:30a Early Minyan Meal - Medical Playgroup Thanksgiving Teen BREAK Clinic Dinner Offices & Schools 9:15a Torah Study Closed Offices & Schools 5:00p Homeless 7:00p Multi-faith Closed 10:15a Shabbat Meal Thanksgiving Morning Service 6:15p Shabbat Evening Service

28 29 30 11:00a Chanukah 9:30a Baby Bazaar Playgroup

11:00a Committee & Program Fair 18 directory

Congregation Beth El 1301 Oxford Street • Berkeley, CA 94709-1424

Main Phone Number (510) 848-3988 *** Fax (510) 848-2707 Religious School Office Direct Line (510) 848-2122 Nursery School Office Direct Line (510) 848-9428 Camp Kee Tov Office Direct Line (510) 848-2372 Midrasha Direct Line (510) 843-4667

Clergy & Staff Ext. Direct Line Email Address

Rabbi Yoel H. Kahn 215 [email protected]

Rabbi Reuben Zellman, Asst. Rabbi & Music Director 228 [email protected]

Norm Frankel, Executive Director 212 [email protected]

Debra Sagan Massey, Director of Education 213 848-2122 [email protected]

Barbara Kanter, Nursery School Director 219 848-9428 [email protected]

Zach Landres-Schnur, Camp Kee Tov Director 217 848-2372 [email protected]

Laura Adams, Accounting 210 [email protected]

Diane Bernbaum, Midrasha Director 843-4667 [email protected]

Odette Blachman, Gift Shop 240 [email protected]

Rebecca DePalma, RS Admin. Coordinator 214 848-2122 [email protected]

Mandy Katz, Admin. Coordinator 235 [email protected]

Lenora O’Keith, Main Office 211 [email protected]

Stephanie Pollick, Kee Tov Admin. Coordinator 223 848-2372 [email protected]

Rabbi Ferenc Raj, Rabbi Emeritus [email protected]

The Builder Issue No. 124

Congregation Beth El is a member of The Union for Reform Judaism

1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley CA 94709-1424 510-848-3988 • www.bethelberkeley.org calendar 19

December 2010 / Kislev - Tevet 5771 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 1st NIGHT OF 6:15p Sababa 11:30 East Bay New 8:30a Early Minyan CHANUKAH Meeting & Expectant Moms NS - 9:15a Torah Study Nursery School 7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg. 7:00p East Bay New 5:30p Tot Chanukah Modern Hebrew & Expectant Moms Party 10:15a Shabbat YAFE - Morning Service Youth and Family 8:25p Lehrhaus/Int. 7:00p Lehrhaus/Adv. 6:00p Ruach Education Modern Hebrew Modern Hebrew Chanukah Party

6:15p Shabbat Unplugged Latketfest & Service

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 9:30a Baby 4:00p Paula Statman 5:45p Sababa Board LAST DAY OF 11:30 East Bay New 8:30a Early Minyan Playgroup Workshop Meeting CHANUKAH & Expectant Moms

9:15a Torah Study 7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg. 7:00p Board Meeting 12:00p Chai Lunch 6:15p Shabbat Modern Hebrew Forums Evening Service 10:15a Shabbat 7:15p Adult Ed - The Morning Service Prophets 7:00p CBCO Training 7:30p House Committee 7:00p Lehrhaus/Adv. Modern Hebrew 8:25p Lehrhaus/Int. Modern Hebrew

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9:30a Baby 7:30p Ritual 6:00p Finance 6:00p BEY Lounge 6:15p Shabbat 8:30a Early Minyan Playgroup Committee Committee Open Mic Night Evening Service 9:15a Torah Study 8:00p Education 7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg. 6:15p Kadima Committee Meeting Modern Hebrew Teaching Team Mtg. 10:15a Shabbat Morning Service 7:30p Adult Ed - 7:00p Lehrhaus/Adv. Jewish Literature Modern Hebrew

8:25p Lehrhaus/Int. Modern Hebrew

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2:00p Homeless NS WINTER BREAK NS WINTER BREAK NS WINTER BREAK NS WINTER BREAK CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY Meal - Medical Clinic 6:15p Youth Offices & Schools 8:30a Early Minyan Committee Meeting Closed 5:00p Homeless 9:15a Torah Study Meal 7:15p Program NS WINTER BREAK Council 10:15a Shabbat 6:15p Shabbat Morning Service Evening Service

26 27 28 29 30 31 NS WINTER BREAK NS WINTER BREAK NS WINTER BREAK NS WINTER BREAK NEW YEARS EVE

NEW YEARS DAY OBSERVED

Offices & Schools Closed

NS WINTER BREAK

8:00p Shabbat Shampagne congregation beth el 1301 Oxford Street Berkeley, CA 94709-1424

12th Annual Multi-faith Thanksgiving Gathering & Service Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 7:00 pm Beth El will again host the Berkeley community’s 12th Annual Multi-faith Thanksgiving Gathering & Service on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 7:00 pm. Beth El’s chorus along with choirs from a variety of traditions and religious communities will share their music. Pastor Leslie White of Berkeley’s St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church will speak.

Volunteers are needed as we expect more than 300 guests at this wonderful event! Beth El members are needed as greeter or hosts and to bake for the “oneg.” If you would like to help out, please contact Mandy Katz in the Beth El office at [email protected].

This annual gathering is co-sponsored with BOCA (Berkeley Organizing Communities for Action). BOCA is comprised of eighteen diverse Berkeley congregations of faith who work together to challenge the inequities of our society that promote poverty, separation, and fear. We come together over issues of education, immigration, health care, community safety, housing, and poverty. Contact BOCA at berkeley.boca.org or 510-665-5821. Everyone is welcome!