Announcements
Community
September/October President's Column by Amy Gerstein: Where You Belong
Helping an individual feel like they belong is essential. But more than that, we must act to build a community of belonging. We must recognize that creating a sense of belong is our collective responsibility in this community — and that our community extends beyond the immediate “walls of our tent.” Perhaps that is why our founders designed a sanctuary modeled on Abraham’s tent at Marme, where he modeled the type of welcome and hospitality to which we can, do, and should always aspire.
Be Brave: A Thought Piece in Response to the May 2024 Yom HaZikaron Ceremony at the OFJCC
This was written by Beth Am congregant Mila Karon during the 2023-24 school year per a 5th grade assignment to write a memoir. Mila is currently a 6th grader at Woodside Priory School. When she is not reading or writing, she is in the pool with her water polo teammates or babysitting her two younger sisters.
Support Israel
We continue to grieve for the families who lost loved ones on October 7th and pray for the immediate return of all the remaining hostages being held in Gaza. As a community, we know that we are not whole; a rise in antisemitism locally and nationally, the threats of an expanded regional war, the constant anxiety and discomfort of going to school or work. Learn how you can become involved.
Caregivers Sh'ma Groups
Are you caring for an elder or spouse or loved one? If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. You can take part in a Sh’ma Group — not therapy, but a safe and friendly virtual space for sharing stories. This group format has proved successful here at Beth Am, helping us to start meaningful, supportive conversations. You will have guidelines for suggested topics and respectful interaction. You can easily form or join a group; the leadership duties are minimal and help from clergy is continually available.
Worship
September/October Clergy Column by Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff: The Jazz Player
Over the coming months, part of my work as your interim senior rabbi, is to encourage you individually and collectively to “play” together, discovering the themes and threads that make Congregation Beth Am the embodiment of Jewish life for ourselves, our children, our friends. We have and will continue to hit some wrong notes, to be sure. But that is — in and of itself — a gift. For we learn, we grow, we experiment and we will (re)discover the magic that is our community.
High Holy Days 5785 | 2024
Once again, we gather for the High Holy Days for an opportunity of renewal. Stay tuned for more High Holy Day information and details coming in early September.
Help Beth Am Thrive
September Fund in Focus: Beth Am Worship Fund
It’s the very backbone of what we do here — provide uplifting and inspiring worship services for you throughout the year to celebrate Shabbat, the High Holidays and more. The Worship Fund helps make these services possible – whether it’s paying for musicians, technicians, or the occasional purchase of religious items like siddurim or Torah covers.
The Beth Am Annual Campaign Needs Each One of Us
The Annual Campaign keeps us going strong! Beth Am is committed to being the center of your Jewish life, a place to find meaning and fulfillment, and a safe and loving space for all who seek it. As we embark on our new synagogue year, we must renew our commitment to each other, and to the financial health of our congregation.
Builders Circle Profile: Amy & Barry Asin
Amy and Barry are emphatic about the meaningful impact Beth Am has had on their lives since moving here all those years ago. “We built a community here and a life here, centered around Beth Am. Beth Am has brought us to a connection with the beauty that Judaism has to offer.” This connection inspired their decision to plan a legacy gift to Beth Am, naming Beth Am as a beneficiary of a retirement fund. Says Amy, “Our legacy gift to Beth Am is a way to give back to the Jewish community that has given so much to us. And, as leaders in the community, we need to be examples!”
Justice
Beth Am's September Tzedakah Box: MOVE MV
Starting September 3, CalTrain will begin repaving on El Camino Real, which will displace households living in cars and RVs along El Camino Real, including several families with children. The City of Palo Alto has approved a plan to expand its safe parking program, providing significantly more space at the existing safe parking site. Funding is needed in order to get the program up and running NOW for those families facing more imminent displacement.
Bright News – Solar Power Is Coming to Beth Am!
With help from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), solar power is coming to Beth Am this fall. The 100.8 KW system will provide more than 90% of Beth Am’s power needs, reduce Beth Am’s dependence on fossil fuels and reduce costs.
Beth Am Equal Start Awards Grant to Learning Home Volunteers
Earlier this year, the Beth Am Equal Start Committee approached Learning Home Volunteers and asked how else support might be provided. The offer came at an opportune moment as LHV has been asked by many of their families with whom LHV works to help provide support to enable English language learners enter kindergarten with better English skills.
Education
Youth Ed Programs Begin This Month!
We're excited for another great year of programming for tots to teens. Join us for our PreK-7th Grade Back to Shul Shabbat on Friday, September 6 to close out the summer, reconnect with new and old friends and launch the school year!
Haven’t registered yet? We still have spots left in programs! Register today by logging into your ShulCloud account.
- Sunday, September 8, 9:00 PM: Sunday Program and 6th & 7th Grade Program
- Wednesday, September 11, 4:00 PM: Hagigah
- Wednesday, September 11, 6:30 PM: Teen Nights
- Sunday, September 15, 9:00 AM: Chavurah
Adult Education Opportunities: Start 5785 Off Right by Learning Something New!
We have an exciting schedule of learning opportunities this fall, including a continued partnership with New Lehrhaus: The Bay Area Hub for Adult Jewish Learning, Adult B'nei Mitzvah, Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew, and of course, our “oldies but goodies” classes. Whether you are a talmid chacham (Torah scholar) or new to Judaism, Jewish learning is for you! Please visit the Adult Education webpage for full class descriptions and registration information.
We strive to live as a holy community whose study and practice of Judaism inspires and challenges us to "do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God" (Micah 6:8).