Announcements

May/June President's Column by Amy Gerstein: A Seat at the Table — Reflections on Leadership and Community
As I write my final Builder column as your Congregation president, I am filled with gratitude. This role has been challenging at times, but above all, it has been deeply rewarding. Beth Am has meant so much to my family, and I will always cherish the opportunity to give back.

Looking for A Few Friendly Volunteer Greeters
Be the friendly first impression and helpful presence at our community events. We need volunteers to help with greeting and creating a positive experience so that every person who walks through our doors feels at home. We are looking for warm, enthusiastic, friendly people to help us. Sound like you? Sound like someone you know? Encourage them to sign up, too. A fun training will be provided. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact greeterleads@betham.org.

Your Vote Matters: World Zionist Election 2025
Every five years, Jews around the world have an opportunity for their voices to be heard in Israel. From March 10 until May 4, the Beth Am community — and any self-identifying Jew in the United States — has the opportunity to cast their vote in the World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections. These elections are our opportunity — as American Reform Jews — to have a direct influence on the decisions and policies shaping the major social issues in Israel. 

Beth Am Shared Identity Project
Our Beth Am Shared Identity Project is now underway. We are focused on YOU and YOUR needs and hopes for your Jewish life, community and future. This project depends on each of you, and will help Beth Am build a better Jewish future for our congregation. “It’s a personal look forward that will help define Beth Am’s core purpose, values and inform our strategic direction for years to come," says project lead Jim Heeger.

It’s Annual Membership Renewal Time!
Thank you for being part of the Beth Am community! As we gear up for the next Beth Am year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), it’s time to set our intentions for a wonderful year ahead! So that we can plan accurately, it’s important that you actively renew your membership for the new year and confirm your contribution amount.  Please watch your email in the coming weeks for messages about membership renewal, and thank you in advance for your prompt response so that we can bill your account accurately.

 

Caregivers Sh'ma Groups
Are you caring for a spouse? If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. You can take part in a Sh’ma group — not therapy, but a safe and friendly space to share stories. This group format has proved successful here at Beth Am in helping us start meaningful, supportive conversations. You will have guidelines for suggested topics and respectful interactions. You can easily form or join a group; the leadership duties are minimal and help from clergy is continually available. Groups are now forming. Join in! For more information, please contact Rabbi Watenmaker at rabbi_watenmaker@betham.org.

May 2025 Fund in Focus: Jewish Israel and Advocacy Fund
Celebrate Israel’s 77th birthday with a gift to Beth Am’s Jewish Israel and Advocacy Fund. Now more than ever, it’s important for Israel to remain top of mind, and for us to understand the difficult complexities around Israel’s challenges during the war with Gaza and into the future.

Member Spotlight & Builders Circle Profile: Barbara and Cliff Burwick
Over the years, Barbara and Cliff have expanded their circle of Beth Am friends and have enjoyed sharing Shabbat dinners, holidays, celebrations and life cycle events with these special people in their lives. As they raised their family, Beth Am played a central role as a place of connection with their Jewish faith and their Jewish community. Cliff has participated for many years in Torah Study and Talmud Study, both Barbara and Cliff enjoy the Jewish films, lectures and classes, special events and seeing friends at Shabbat services. Says Barbara, “I love the beautiful setting, sitting in our windowed Sanctuary, looking outward and inward both!”

Beth Am Youth Education Registration Is Now OPEN for the 2025-2026 School Year!
We hope you will join us for another year of exciting Youth Education programming! Our programs build community and identity through deep and dynamic Jewish learning. We offer programs for learners of all ages and interests, including families with young children, emerging teen leaders, actors and singers, and more! We're so excited for another great year of programming at Beth Am. Join us!

Adult Education Opportunities With Rabbi Yoel Kahn
Rabbi Yoel Kahn will be offering two adult education opportunities this spring — The World of Midrash and Hineini! Here I Am! — Queer Jewish Liturgy Old and New (presented by New Lehrhaus). To learn more, please visit the Adult Education webpage for full class descriptions and registration information.