The Former Prophets (Beit Midrash)
Saturdays, January 24 & February 28, 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.
Aging with Confidence (Social Hall)
Sunday, January 25, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Join Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley for a thoughtful conversation designed to help older adults remain independent, connected, and supported while aging in place. Learn how to reduce isolation, access trusted resources, and explore programs from the Rick and Doris Davis Center for Aging and Caregiver Services that honor personal dignity, Jewish values, and individual choice. You’ll also learn more about our Chevra Chesed Committee and how this program connects with the Rabbi’s upcoming classes, Planning for the End Won’t Kill You: A Series on Death and Dying. Feel informed, empowered, and confident about the road ahead. Please sign up by January 23 [here].
Psalm 92: What it Means for Us Today (Zoom)
Monday, January 26, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
with Rabbi Cronin
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 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 to engage more constructively with others. We’ll use the Lev Shalem Siddur as our study text. Sign up for Zoom [here].
Navigating the Sea of Sacred Jewish Literature (Zoom)
Tuesdays, January 27 & February 17, 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].
CPR Training (Social Hall)
Friday, January 30, 10:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Class is full
Registered attendees be sure to complete the on-line course in advance of the in-person session. Participants will receive a 2-year certificate upon completion. Also remember to bring the $42 fee payable by cash or check to Bonnie Hirsch. Bonnie is generously volunteering to lead the training. The $42 fee covers the certification fee.
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! Look for signup for the DIY Tu B’ Shevat Seder at the bottom of the Signup Genius. Please sign up [here].
Confronting the Middle East’s Environmental Challenges
with Environmental Activist Alon Tal (Beit T’Fillah)
Saturday, January 31, 2:00–3:30 p.m.
In honor of Tu Bi’shvat, join Israeli environmental activist Alon Tal—former Knesset member and head of Israel’s Green Party, and professor of environmental policy at Tel Aviv University—for a timely talk on the Middle East’s environmental challenges. In “Now That the War Is Over: Confronting the Middle East’s Environmental Challenges,” Professor Tal will explore regional sustainability issues, priorities for Gaza’s ecological restoration, and opportunities for regional climate cooperation. Don’t miss this chance to hear from a leading voice in global climate policy. RSVP [here]. Learn more about Professor Tal here [here].
Dayenu: a Jewish Call to Climate Action (Beit Midrash)
Sunday, February 1, 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Beth David member Michal Strutin will introduce us to Dayenu Circle of Jewish Silicon Valley; a movement rooted in Jewish values that mobilizes Jewish communities for meaningful climate action.
Activities include:
- Neighborhood rallies in partnership with other Jewish and conservation organizations.
- Collaboration with the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
- Ongoing programs that promote the widespread adoption of solar energy and electric vehicles.
- Easy, practical ways can help preserve a livable climate on Earth.
Jewish Women Throughout History (Beit Midrash/Zoom)
Tuesdays, February 2 & 24, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
with Rabbi Kunin
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 Doña 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.
Youth Congregation (Beit T’Fillah)
Saturday, Febraury 7, 9:45–11:00 a.m.
with Rabbi Roller
Join us for a lively Shabbat service designed for 1st–5th graders, featuring prayer, Torah readings, games, and discussions connected to the weekly portion and today’s world. Parents and adults are welcome.
Tot Shabbat (Beit T’fillah)
Saturday, Febraury 7, 11:15–11:45 a.m.
with Rabbi Roller
Join us for a fun and engaging Shabbat program for tots and their families, featuring songs, stories, movement, and more.
Super Bowl 2026 LX (Social Hall)
Sunday February 8, 3:30–9:00 p.m.
Beth David members and their guests are invited to join us for Super Bowl LX Sunday in the Social Hall. Men’s Club will provide pizza, snacks and drinks, please bring a dairy/parve potluck item. Please see Kashrut guidelines for potlucks [here]. Sign up [here].
AAi Blood Drive (Social Hall)
Wednesday, February 11, 11:00–5:00 p.m.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and each donation of blood can save up to 3 lives! Join Jews, Christians, and Muslims to assist American Red Cross staff, check-in donors, sterilize chairs and tables in donor waiting areas, refill refreshments for donors post-donation, and ensure donors are feeling well before departure. No experience is necessary! American Red Cross staff will train you to accomplish these tasks easily and safely, providing everything you need. To donate blood register [here].
Kids/Tots Shabbat, Potluck & Musical Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, February 13
- 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 for All!
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 for ALL 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.)
SAVE THE DATE: Friday, March 13 – Join Rabbi Kunin for Judeo-Italian cooking from 1:00–4:00 p.m., followed by a Judeo-Italian feast from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Sign up for cooking [here]
RSVP for dinner – Members [here] | Guests [here]
Jewish Book Discussion Group (Beit Midrash)
Saturday, February 14, 12:45–2:00 p.m.
Joanne Cornbleet will lead us in a discussion of S. Y. Agnon’s short story, “The Fable of the Goat,” which we will read aloud with the group. Copies of the story will be provided. It is not necessary to read the story in advance.
Teshuvah of the Month (Beit Midrash)
Saturday, February 21, 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.
Justin Ferate speaks on Rosenwald Schools (Zoom)
Thursday, February 26, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Our favorite speaker, Justin Ferate, will speak for us again about an inspiring man, Julius Rosenwald, who created schools in the U.S. South for poor black children. Join us for this heartwarming and fascinating talk. Sponsored by Beth David Women. Register for Zoom [here].