Poltava/Odesa Committee: Supporting Our Sister Congregations
Poltava/Odesa Committee
Supporting Our Sister Congregations in Ukraine:
Congregation Beth Am of Poltava and Shirat Ha-Yam of Odesa
The Poltava/Odesa Committee supports two progressive Jewish communities in the Former Soviet Union (FSU), Congregation Beth Am of Poltava and Shirat Ha-Yam of Odesa. This is a collaborative venture under the auspices of Congregation Beth Am, Los Altos Hills and the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ).
During these trying times, our friends in Ukraine need us more than ever before. Many have had to flee their homes with nothing more than what they can carry. Others are still in Kyiv, Poltava and Odesa to fight for their freedom and democracy. Innocent people are suffering. Please visit our Crisis In Ukraine page to learn how Congregation Beth Am is taking action to make a positive difference.
Congregation Beth Am of Poltava
Various political and economic challenges have reduced the membership of Congregation Beth Am of Poltava. Congregation Beth Am of Poltava leadership has been and continues to be strong for this small but powerful community. Recently, they were able to halt construction on Poltava City land of apartment buildings that would have concealed a killing field where an atrocity had taken place. They have since planted trees in honor of the people who perished there and in celebration of Lag BaOmer.
Visit Congregation Beth Am of Poltava on:
Facebook
Shirat Ha-Yam of Odesa
Rabbi Julia Gris is the spiritual leader of Shirat Ha-Yam, developing the community by creating year-round family-oriented programs that celebrate our Jewish heritage. There are approximately 200 members of Shirat Ha-Yam with the potential of enlarging community engagement from among the almost 45,000 Jews in Odesa.
Visit Shirat ha-Yam Congregation Odesa on:
Facebook | YouTube
Netzer-Odesa
Netzer, the WUPJ’s Youth Group, has a very energized program that instills a progressive Jewish lifestyle. The Beth Am Poltava/Odesa Committee looks forward to help build this relationship while continuing to support our friends in Poltava.
The Poltava/Odesa Fund supports our sister congregations in Ukraine: Congregation Beth Am of Poltava and Shirat Ha-Yam of Odesa. Please consider making a gift to this fund to help us carry out our vision.
Fri, April 18 2025
20 Nisan 5785
Community Schedule
-
Friday ,
AprApril 18 , 2025The Orchard Passover Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Apr 18th 7:30p to 9:30p
Come join other adults in their 20s and 30s for a delicious Passover Shabbat dinner and build community with your peers across the South Bay and Peninsula. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 19 , 2025Good Book Cafe
Shabbat, Apr 19th 10:00a to 10:20a
Join other Torah Study participants for some discussion and schmoozing. -
Monday ,
AprApril 21 , 2025Beth Am Women In-Person Mah Jongg for Beginners Through Experienced Players
Monday, Apr 21st 12:30p to 2:00p
This session provides opportunities for beginning Mah Jongg players to learn the game and experienced Mah Jongg players to play together. -
Tuesday ,
AprApril 22 , 2025Beth Am Men Hot Topics Breakfast
Tuesday, Apr 22nd 8:00a to 9:30a
Get together with some Beth Am Men for our monthly "Hot Topics" breakfast! A rabbi will bring a stimulating, potentially controversial article for us to discuss over breakfast. Food and beverages will be provided by Beth Am Men. -
Tuesday ,
AprApril 22 , 2025"As A Driven Leaf" — Book Discussion With Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff
Tuesday, Apr 22nd 7:00p to 8:00p
Join Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff to discuss this book, which book explores the struggle of Elisha ben Abuya, a rabbi torn between Jewish faith and Greek philosophy, grappling with doubt, identity and existential conflict. -
Wednesday ,
AprApril 23 , 2025South Peninsula Yom HaShoah v’Hagevurah Service of Remembrance
Wednesday, Apr 23rd 7:00p to 8:15p
Join the South Bay community for a virtual service as we honor those lost during the Shoah. Local Jewish clergy members, students and musicians will present stories of survival, lead prayers and sing to honor those lost and those who survived the Shoah. -
Friday ,
AprApril 25 , 2025Israel Discussion Gatherings
Friday, Apr 25th 5:15p to 6:15p
Join with other Beth Am members every Friday before the Erev Shabbat service for time to reflect, discuss and listen to one another as we navigate this terribly challenging time for Israel and Jews around the world. -
Friday ,
AprApril 25 , 2025Shabbat Dinner to Support Ukraine
Friday, Apr 25th 7:30p to 8:30p
Enjoy a delicious community dinner prepared by the Poltava/Odesa Committee. All proceeds from the dinner will support our sister congregations in Ukraine. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 26 , 2025Good Book Cafe
Shabbat, Apr 26th 10:00a to 10:20a
Join other Torah Study participants for some discussion and schmoozing. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 26 , 2025"Love in the Time of Corona": Book Discussion and Havdalah With Rabbi Sanford Akselrad
Shabbat, Apr 26th 4:00p to 6:00p
Rabbi Akselrad will present a program based on his new book, "Love in the Time of Corona". It is a series of approximately 100 essays written during COVID, which depict the roller coaster ride we all went through.
Newsletter Subscriptions
Congregation Beth Am | 26790 Arastradero Road | Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 | (650) 493-4661
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).
Privacy Settings | Privacy Policy | Member Terms
©2025 All rights reserved. Find out more about ShulCloud