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November/December President's Column by Amy Gerstein: Sparking Connection
As we approach the joyous season of Chanukah, our community is filled with warmth and anticipation. This time of year not only brings the light of the menorah and the celebration of miracles but also offers us a moment to reflect on our shared journey and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

 

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. 

Member Spotlight: Rosenberg Family
Meet Tzachi and Shirit Rosenberg, and their four daughters: Agam (13), Stav (10), Hadas (7) and Edden (2). The family joined Beth Am in 2020. Tzachi was born in Israel and has moved around the world, including the Philippines and Venezuela, following his father’s agricultural consulting business. Eventually,  in his teens, he ended up in Detroit. Shirit is also Israeli, and moved to Ann Arbor with her family as a young child. The couple was set up by a mutual friend at a friend’s grandmother’s celebration of life.

 

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.

 

The Orchard: An Update
The Orchard has been bustling with activity over the past few months, bringing our community together through a series of memorable events. It's been a season of growth and joy at The Orchard, and we can’t wait for what’s next!

 

Welcoming Zoe Brinner, Our New Congregational Administrative Associate
Please welcome Beth Am’s newest staff member, Zoe Brinner, who serves as our Congregational Administrative Associate. Zoe is responsible for managing the many details that keep our community humming.


 

Worship

October Clergy Column by Rabbi Heath Watenmaker: Rededicating Ourselves to Gratitude
Back in 2013, there was a lot of excitement around the celebration of “Thanksgivukkah.” Named, of course, for the coinciding holidays of Thanksgiving and Chanukah. There’s even a Wikipedia page dedicated to this momentous occasion. As a rabbi, I kind of loved it. First, it got lots of people talking about Chanukah, and, instead of focusing on the “December Dilemma” — the tensions between Chanukah and Christmas, the tensions of celebrating our Jewishness in a secular world — instead, it focused on the themes of gratitude, family and “rededication” to those things we hold most dear, inherent in our Festival of Lights.

Celebrate Chanukah With Beth Am
Chanukah, which means “dedication,” is the festival that commemorates the purification and rededication of the Temple following the defilement caused by the Greeks during their occupation of that holy place. Today, the holiday reminds Jews to rededicate themselves to stand against forces that would destroy Judaism, and to keep alive the flame of Jewish religion, culture and peoplehood so that it may be passed on to the next generation. Click through for a schedule of Beth Am Chanukah celebrations as well as Chanukah resources and Chanukah shopping suggestions.

Help Beth Am Thrive

November 2024 Fund in Focus: Richard and Caroline Hoffman Library Fund
It may have been a while since you have been at the library — but come on by! There is something for readers of all ages at the Beth Am library. Did you know that we regularly add new titles to our collection, and offer everything from picture books for our littlest Beth Am members, all the way to the latest intellectual offerings on current or ancient Jewish topics? Come on by! A good book and a comfy chair await you.

                     

https://images.shulcloud.com/7738/377405_orig.jpgEnd of Year Giving: 2024
There are many ways to make year-end gifts to support our community and provide you with tax advantages for this year’s filing. We hope you will consider Beth Am in your charitable plans, and we thank you in advance for being as generous as possible this year! 2024 Tax-deductible contributions must arrive by Tuesday, December 31.

 

Does your employer have a matching gift program? You may be able to double or even triple your contributions to Beth Am! Many Bay Area companies will match charitable donations dollar-for-dollar, or even two dollars for every one you donate.

 

Justice

Beth Am's November/December Tzedakah Box: Beth Am Hunger & Homelessness Winter Campaign
As our calendar turns to winter months and the temperatures on the thermometer drop, we at Beth Am we take the time to recognize that there are many in our local community who are struggling to find adequate housing and food. The need continues to be great, and demands on local organizations serving people in need continue to grow.


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.

Thu, October 31 2024 29 Tishrei 5785