Jewish Communities in India (Beit Midrash)
Wednesday, November 5, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Join us as congregant Donna Frankel takes us on a fascinating visual journey through the rich history and vibrant present of Jewish communities in India. Once isolated from one another, these diverse groups share surprising connections and enduring traditions. Donna has personally led many tours to Jewish sites across India—come hear her stories and see her stunning slides.
This event is held in conjunction with The Shabbat Project, a global grassroots movement that unites Jews around the beauty of Shabbat. For more information, visit theshabbosproject.org.
African Flair Kabbalat Shabbat (Beit T’fillah/Social Hall)
Friday, November 7, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
The Jewish–Ethiopian holiday of SIGD is now a national Israeli holiday celebrated 50 days after Yom Kippur. Join as we celebrate SIGD starting with:
- 5:30 p.m. Happy Hour in the Mercaz featuring Israeli wines, Black -owned wines, Tej Honey wine and N. African appetizers. Peruse information displays about Jewish African communities.
- 6:15 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat led by vocalist Renee Benmeleh, accompanied by Iris Bendahan and Judy Holtzman. This joyful and inspiring service highlighs the melodies of the Ethiopian Jews and other Jewish African communities.
- 7:30 p.m. Vegetarian potluck Shabbat dinner. We will provide Dabo bread, and two authentic Ethiopian dishes!
The event is free, but please RSVP [here].
Donations to off-set expenses gratefully appreciated.
Please follow these links: [Members] | [Guests] and select the fund labeled “Musical Programs”.
Jewish Book Discussion Group (Beit Midrash)
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
Saturday, November 8, 12:45–2:00 p.m.
Adrift in a raft after a deadly ship explosion, nine people struggle for survival at sea. Three days pass. Short on water, food and hope, they spot a man floating in the waves and pull him in. The man, strange and quiet, claims to be the Lord. Is the man who he claims to be? What actually caused the explosion? Are survivors already in heaven, or are they in hell? Years later when an empty life raft washes up on the island of Montserrat – the events recounted in a notebook – it falls to the island’s chief inspector to solve the mystery of what really happened. The discussion will be led by Lori Cinnamon.
Arts and Crafts Fair Featuring the Artists of Beth David (Social Hall)
Sunday, November 9, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Free and open to the community.
Join us for a wonderful afternoon celebrating art, creativity, and community!
Meet 16 talented local artists and explore photography, pottery, calligraphy, fabric arts, sculpture, jewelry, painting, and more. Relax in a coffee house environment, featuring live flute and classical Celtic guitar music, along with delicious baked goods.
Interactive Demonstrations (4:00–5:00 p.m.)
- Crocheting Kippah with Lindsay Roller
- Weaving with Shelley Kunin
- Basket Making with Ricki Gafter
Children can get creative at a special craft station just for them.
Come be inspired and support our community’s artists! Let us know you’ll be joining us here.
Hazak – Lunch and Movie (Social Hall)
Monday, November 10, 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Enjoy a light lunch and a movie with your Hazak friends.
The movie we’ve selected is: “A Long Journey: The Hidden Jews of the Southwest.” The movie brings to life stories of individuals whose secret was their hidden Jewish roots while living an outwardly Catholic life. It’s a cinematic journey about reaffirmation and self-awareness set against the magnificent natural and cultural landscapes of the region. $20 per person; your account will be billed. RSVP by emailing Hazak [here].
Jewish Women Throughout History (Beit Midrash/Zoom)
with Rabbi Kunin
NOTE NEW START DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Jewish history and tradition has 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 donna Gracia Nasi, to Golda Meir. If you want to sign up for Zoom attendance, please click [here]. If you want to attend in person, it is not necessary to register.
Teshuvah of the Month (Beit Midrash)
Saturday, November 15, 12:45–2:00 p.m.
with Rabbi Kunin
Traditional Judaism (including Conservative Judaism) is a religion of law. We build our lives around halakha (Jewish law). We understand our legal tradition to be based in the past yet growing and developing in every generation. These changes in interpretation are reflected in teshuvot, rabbinic legal decisions, a literature that has been growing over the last thousand or more years. Each month Join Rabbi Kunin as we examine fascinating examples of this important literature, stemming both from ancient and modern Conservative (and occasional Orthodox or Reform) sources.
Mah Jongg Tournament (Social Hall)
Sunday, November 16, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Please join us for an afternoon of lunch and three rounds of Mah Jongg. The cost will be $75 per person for lunch and three rounds of play. Advanced players only.
Sign up by Nov 7th! Please follow these links:
Members RSVP here. Guests RSVP here.