Navigating the Sea of Sacred Jewish Literature (Zoom)
Tuesday, October 21, 7:30 pm–9:00 pm
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, 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].
Hazak: Tour of American Heritage Museum (offsite)
Wednesday, October 22, 1:30 pm–3:00 pm
351 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto
At The Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) discover inventions that shaped America, displayed in a century-old home and garden. The museum, founded in the 1990’s, is the only museum in the Bay Area dedicated to the history of scientific and technological innovation from 1750 to 1950. Displays include an early 20th century kitchen, business equipment, a 1920’s general store, a 1915 Ford, an old tractor, an early 1900’s working print shop, and much more. $10 per person. RSVP by October 18 [here].
An Evening With Dr. Rick Hodes (Offsite)
Thursday October 23, 7:30 pm–9:30 pm
You are invited to hear Dr. Rick Hodes, an American Jewish physician who has devoted his medical career in Ethiopia to helping children obtain life altering spinal surgeries through his international network. Dr. Hodes’ career has been documented in books and film. Dr. Hodes continues to integrate Jewish values and medical practice. An inspiring and joyous way to begin the New Year! This talk will be in Saratoga. The address will be sent to attendees 2 days prior to the event. RSVP [here].
The Former Prophets (Beit Midrash)
Saturday, October 25, 12:45 pm–2:00 pm
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.
BLT – Bagels, Lox, and Tefillah (Social Hall)
Sunday, October 26, 10:00 am–11:00 am
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].
Jewish Women Throughout History (Beit Midrash/Zoom)
with Rabbi Kunin
NOTE NEW START DATE:
Tuesday,November 11, 7:30 pm–9:00 pm
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.
Capitola Breakfast and Scenic Walk (Offsite)
Sunday, November 2, 8:20 am–12:30 pm
Enjoy breakfast at Zelda’s right on the beach in Capitola. There is both outside and indoor dining. We will meet at the Saratoga Safeway Parking lot if you want to carpool at 8:20am and be ready to leave at 8:30am. For those who don’t want to carpool, meet at Zeldas in Capitola at 9:15am. Dress warmly if you want to eat outside, and be in appropriate footwear for a 2-3 mile hilly walk to take in the scenic views. For those not up for the walk, there is a nice beach scene to enjoy after breakfast. We will split our breakfast bill. Once you register, you will receive parking suggestions. RSVP by October 27 [here].
Bagels in the Park (Offsite)
Sunday, November 2, 12:45 pm – 2:00 pm
12415 Scully Ave, Saratoga
Connect with other families with kids under 12 – join us at Kevin Moran park in Saratoga for bagels, coffee, snacks, and fun!
Jewish Communities in India (Beit Midrash)
Wednesday, November 5, 7:30 pm– 9:00 pm
Congregant Donna Frankel will give a lecture with slides on the history and present status of Jewish communities in India. At one time the various Jewish communities didn’t even know about the others. Donna has led many tours to Jewish sites in India.
African Flair Kabbalat Shabbat (Sanctuary/Social Hall)
Friday, November 7, 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Celebrate SIGD! The Jewish – Ethiopian holiday of SIGD is now a national Israeli holiday celebrated 50 days after Yom Kippur.
- 5:30pm Happy Hour at in the Mercaz featuring Israeli wines and appetizers
- 6:00pm Vocalist Renee Benmeleh will lead us in an inspiring and joyful Kabbalat Shabbat service highlighting the melodies of the Ethiopian Jews and other Jewish African communities
- 7:30pm Vegetarian Potluck Shabbat Dinner Two authentic Ethiopian dishes, Honey wine, injera and Dabo bread will be provided!
Sign up for potluck here.
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.
Artists and Crafts Fair Featuring the Artists of Beth David (Social Hall)
Sunday, November 9, 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Beth David has many talented artists in many disciplines. Join us to appreciate and even purchase some of their wonderful creations. The afternoon will also include demonstrations, a coffee house, and live music. to attend please RSVP here.
Are you interested in showcasing your talents? Sign up here.
Hazak – Lunch and Movie (Social Hall)
Monday, November 10, 11:30 am–2:00 pm
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].
Kids/Tots Shabbat and Potluck (Rooms 15-17)
Friday, November 14, 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
- 5:30 pm Kids and Tots Service
- 6:15 pm Dairy/Pareve Potluck for ALL
Please join the Rabbis as we welcome in Shabbat! We’ll start with a kids and tots service at 5:30 pm followed by a dairy/pareve potluck at 6:15 pm. Sign up for potluck [here]. All are welcome to stay for an evening service with Beth David’s Musical Group featuring instruments and some beautiful new melodies!
Potluck and Musical Kabbalat Shabbat (Beit T’Fillah)
Friday, November 14, 6:15 pm– 8:30 pm
- 6:15 pm Dairy/Pareve Potluck for ALL
- 7:00 pm (approx) Service with Beth David’s Musical Group!
Please join the Rabbis as we welcome in Shabbat! We’ll start with a dairy/pareve potluck at 6:15 pm, followed by an engaging service with Beth David’s Musical Group including instruments and some beautiful new melodies! We’ll provide the challah and kiddush wine. Sign up for potluck [here].
Teshuvah of the Month (Beit Midrash)
3rd Saturday of the month beginning November 15
12:45 pm–2:00 pm
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, 11:00am—4:00pm
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.