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.
BLT – Bagels, Lox, and Tefillah (Social Hall)
Sunday, November 16, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Join us at Beth David for a bagel with schmear along with Peets kosher coffee. We will be talking about various Jewish topics. Please RSVP by emailing Mens Club [here].
Mah Jongg Tournament (Social Hall)
Sunday, November 16, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
This event has reached capacity! To be added to the wait list, pease email here.
The Former Prophets (Beit Midrash)
Saturday, November 22, 12:45–2:00 p.m.
with Rabbi Roller
Discover some of the most exciting biblical stories you’ve never heard! Explore tales of war, love, betrayal, and revenge that rival anything on a bestseller list. We’ll primarily use Robert Alter’s translation, though other versions of the Hebrew Bible are also welcome. Please bring any Hebrew Bible you may have from home; a limited number of copies will be available for use during class
Ma’ariv and Havdalah (Social Hall)
Saturday, November 22, 4:40–6:00 p.m.
Join us for a Seudah Shelishit of finger food and sweets. We will sing Shabbat and other Hebrew songs, and discuss the parsha from a mystical perspective. We will conclude with Havdalah. RSVP [here].
60th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (Offsite)
Thursday, November 27, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Saratoga Federated Church, 20390 Park Place
Begin your day of gratitude alongside neighbors from diverse faith communities in Saratoga.
Support JFS Silicon Valley’s monthly food pantry helping individuals and families in the community facing food insecurity. See flyer here.
Navigating the Sea of Sacred Jewish Literature (Zoom)
Tuesday, December 2, 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].
Author talk with Carol Goodman Kaufman (Zoom)
Thursday, December 4, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join this interactive Zoom meeting with mystery writer Carol Goodman Kaufman, author of The First Murder and Crak, Bam, Dead (Mah Jong Mayhem Book 1). Carol will explore what makes a mystery a mystery, discuss subgenres of crime writing, and invite participants to help brainstorm story elements.Her books are available online, but reading them isn’t required. Space is limited—please register for Zoom [here]. For more information on Carol, check out her website [here].
Youth Congregation (Beit T’Fillah)
Saturdays, December 6 & 20, 9:45–11:00 a.m.
An interactive Shabbat service experience specifically targeted for our 1st – 5th grade students. Youth participate in traditional prayer, Torah readings, games and discussions inspired both by the weekly Torah portion and current events. Adults/parents welcome.
Tot Shabbat (Beit T’Fillah)
Saturday, December 6 & 20, 11:15–11:45am
This is a relaxing, lighthearted, interactive, Shabbat program for tots and their families. Join Rabbi Roller for singing, stories, movement and more!
Bocce with the Boys (Offsite)
Sunday, December 7, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Campo Di Bocce, 565 University Avenue, Los Gatos
Come join us for dinner followed by bocce ball and/or drinks. We are meeting at 5:00 p.m. and will stay as late as 8:00 p.m. Come down and spend time with us at dinner and/or playing bocce ball. Please RSVP by emailing Mens Club [here].
Jewish Women Throughout History (Beit Midrash/Zoom)
with Rabbi Kunin
Tuesday, December 9, 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.
Beth David Women Hanukkah Luncheon (Social Hall)
Thursday, December 11, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join Beth David Women for a festive welcome to Hanukkah 5786/2025! Enjoy a delicious luncheon, connect with friends, and shop our Gently Used Jewelry table. Bring an extra Hanukiah for our Trading Table—leftovers will be donated to Jewish Family Services. Cost is $30 plus a minimum $15 gift card for JFS’s Embrace-A-Family program (bring gift card to the luncheon). Members sign up [here]. Guests sign up [here].
Jewish Book Discussion Group (Beit T’Fillah)
Sharing Titles and Book Exchange
Saturday, December 13, 12:45–2:00 p.m.
We’ll each share a favorite Jewish book we think everyone should read. Please email the title you’d like to recommend to Miriam Marr by December 5, so she can compile a list for everyone. You’re also invited to bring any Jewish books you no longer need but think others might enjoy — we’ll have a book exchange!
Hazak hanukkah Extravaganza (Social Hall)
Saturday, December 13, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
A delightful forshpeiz of the approaching Festival of Lights. New York Deli Supper, Latkes & Dessert. Catered by Hazak. Enjoy the company of your friends, and a delightful movie. $25 per person. RSVP by December 9 to [email].
Annual Meeting (Sanctuary/Zoom)
Sunday, December 14, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
You are warmly invited—and strongly encouraged—to attend the Congregation Beth David Annual Meeting.
If you want to sign up to attend on Zoom, please register [here]. If you want to attend in person, it is not necessary to register.
Kids/Tots Shabbat, Potluck & Musical Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, December 12
- 5:30 p.m. Kids and Tots Service
- 6:15 p.m. Dairy/Pareve Potluck
- 7:00 p.m. (approx) Service with Beth David’s Musical Group!
Please join the Rabbis as we welcome in Shabbat! We’ll start with a kids and tots service at 5:30 p.m., a dairy/pareve potluck at 6:15 p.m., followed by an engaging service with Beth David’s Musical Group including instruments and some new beautiful melodies! We’ll provide the challah and kiddush wine.
Sign up for potluck here. (Please plan to bring a dish that serves 8-10 people.)