Psalm 92: What it Means for Us Today (Zoom)
Mondays in January, beginning January 5, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Psalm 92 is a staple of the Shabbat Psukei d’Zimrah service. A closer look at this psalm reveals that its justice theme is also very relevant to our times. Join us with our rabbinic intern, Neal Cronin, for a detailed and fulfilling dive into what this ancient psalm means to us in our everyday lives, and how it guides us on engaging more constructively with others. We’ll use the Lev Shalem siddur as our study text. Register for Zoom [here].
Navigating the Sea of Sacred Jewish Literature (Zoom)
Tuesday, January 6, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
with Rabbi Roller
Join us on a journey through the rich and diverse world of Jewish sacred literature. Together, we’ll explore the distinct genres that make up this tradition, uncovering their unique features and historical contexts. Beginning with the foundational texts of the Bible, we’ll trace how rabbinic, medieval, and modern writings reinterpret, expand upon, and respond to these earlier works. Along the way, we’ll discover the deep intertextuality that weaves through centuries of Jewish thought—revealing an ongoing, dynamic conversation that continues to shape Jewish tradition across time. Sign up for Zoom [here].
Jewish Book Discussion Group (Beit Midrash)
Saturday, January 10, 12:45–2:00 p.m.
Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt by Oren Kessler, led by Shmuel Shottan
This book is a history of the 1936-1939 Arab revolt in British Mandate Palestine, detailing how the uprising against British rule and Jewish immigration solidified Palestinian national identity while also leading to a significant Zionist counter-rebellion. The book highlights this period as a pivotal turning point that laid the groundwork for the modern Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shaping both Jewish and Arab national movements and influencing the eventual British withdrawal and the partition of Palestine.
Connecting with Purpose by Volunteering in Israel (Beit Midrash)
Sunday, January 11, 2:00–3:30 p.m.
In the past couple years, Beth David congregant Sue Maltiel has traveled to Israel multiple times for this purpose, as has her friend Elana Feinsmith. This afternoon, Sue and Elana will share their experiences on extended trips to Israel, where they have been deployed as needed for volunteer work such as: preparing homecooked meals for soldiers at the front, support for soldiers’ families, picking produce on site at border farms whose residents have been evacuated, or are called up for service, visiting wounded soldiers in hospitals who are undergoing rehabilitation, and packing medical supply kits, which must be replaced every 90 days, for army medics. Volunteers like Sue and Elana travel to Israel for several weeks at a time, for a heartening and rewarding experience helping the people of Israel at their time of need. This event is co-sponsored by Beth David’s Israel Action Committee and Beth David Women.
Jewish Women Throughout History (Beit Midrash/Zoom)
with Rabbi Kunin
Tuesday, January 13, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Jewish history and tradition have been focused primarily on men, leaving out the essential contributions of women over the ages. In this class, we discover amazing Jewish women—some well-known and some who have largely been lost—from Hulda the Prophetess to Doña Gracia Nasi to Golda Meir. If you cannot attend in person, register for Zoom [here].
Hazak – Fun Game Afternoon (Social Hall)
Sunday, January 18, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Play some familiar games. Learn some new ones. Schmooze a little, too. Refreshments … but of course.
Games being considered: Canasta, Bridge, Mah Jongg, Poker, Mexican Train, Dominoes, Scrabble, Backgammon, Chess, Monopoly, Clue, Boggle, etc. $10 per person. RSVP by emailing Hazak [here]. Your account will be billed.
CPR Training (Social Hall)
Friday, January 30,10:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Join us for CPR and First Aid Training with Bonnie Hirsch. This is a blended learning class, with an online training portion that must be completed prior to the in-person session. After completion, participants will receive certification valid for 2 years.
Instructions for registering for the online portion will be emailed with your signup confirmation. This class is strictly limited to 12 participants and open to Beth David members only. Sign up by January 26! Sign up [here].
Women’s Shabbat (Sanctuary/YouTube)
Saturday, January 31, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Sign up to participate in leading the congregation in an inspiring, Shabbat service. Make this year the year you learn something new! Or participate together with a friend! Please RSVP [here].