Crafter’s Guild (Beit Midrash)
Monday, October 26, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Hosted by Ricki Gafter and Ann Tavan
Do you enjoy sewing, knitting, or crocheting? Do you want to get together with others while working on projects? This is an informal gathering with no membership requirements where all are welcome. Join us for crafting or simply for camaraderie. For more information, email Ann Tavan [here]. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING DATES: November 23 and December 21.
Navigating the Sea of Sacred Jewish Literature with Rabbi Roller (Zoom)
Tuesday, October 27, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Join Rabbi Roller on a journey through the rich and diverse world of Jewish sacred literature. Explore how biblical, rabbinic, medieval, and modern texts build upon and reinterpret one another, revealing an ongoing conversation that has shaped Jewish tradition across generations. Please register for Zoom [here]. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING DATES: November 10, November 17, December 1, and December 15.
.
A Pilgrimage Through Jewish History with Rabbi Kunin (Beit Midrash/Zoom)
Wednesday, October 28, 7:30– 9:00 p.m.
Join Rabbi Kunin for overview of Jewish history from Biblical times up until the present. If you prefer not to attend in person, please register for Zoom [here]. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING DATES: November 18, December 2, and December 16.
AAi Blood Drive (Social Hall)
Wednesday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
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. Volunteer to help. Please sign up [here]. Volunteer to donate. Please sigh up [here].
The Best of Jewish Broadway (Social Hall)
Saturday, November 7, 6:00–9:30 p.m.
Starring Anat Baird, Vocalist & Musical Director with pianist and accompanist Simona Snitkovsky
From Gershwin to Bernstein, Sondheim to Hamlisch, Jewish composers, lyricists, and performers helped create the soundtrack of Broadway. Join us for a special Saturday night celebrating the songs, stories, and showstoppers that made musical theater unforgettable. Begin the evening together with Havdalah, then settle into our intimate cabaret for an entertaining journey through the best of Jewish Broadway. The cost is $25 per person. Please RSVP by November 5. Members [here] and Guests [here].
Pinot Noir Passport: A Wine Tasting Around the World (Mercaz)
Sunday, November 8, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Join us on a tasting journey as we explore the rich and diverse world of Pinot Noir!
How it works:
- Bring a Bottle: Bring your favorite bottle of Pinot Noir to share. (Domestic and/or Kosher)
- Share the Story: Include a few quick tasting notes—tell us about its region, vintage, flavors, or simply why you love it.
- Taste & Vote: We’ll sample the selections together, compare their unique characteristics, and vote on the group’s top favorites!
- Enjoy: Delicious light snacks will be provided to complement the wines.
Once a Paratrooper: The Story of a Lone Soldier in the Gaza War (Beit T’Fillah)
Wednesday, November 11, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
IDF soldier Ira Kohler will speak about his personal experience as a “lone soldier” in the IDF Paratroopers, before, during and after October 7. Mr. Kohler will highlight his 100 days serving at the front in Gaza, the realities of a serving as a lone soldier whose family lives overseas, and the broader lessons and experiences gained from the war. Mr. Kohler will bring copies of his new book, ‘Once a Paratrooper’, for sale this evening. This event is co-sponsored by Beth David membership programming. Cost is $18 per person, please RSVP by November 6. Members, RSVP [here]. Guests, RSVP [here].
Global Shabbat Rhythm and Sound of Africa in celebration of SIGD (Social Hall)
Friday, November 13, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Join our Global Shabbat service featuring the rhythm and sounds of Africa as we celebrate the Beta Israel holiday of SIGD and the ancient and emerging Jewish communities of Africa. The event is free, but please RSVP [here].
Jewish Book Discussion Group: This Is Not About Us
Saturday, November 14, 12:45–2:30 p.m.
by Allegra Goodmanled by Lori Cinnamon
After their sister dies, an apple-cake misunderstanding estranges Sylvia and Helen for a decade. Warm and witty, this multigenerational novel explores forgiveness, sisterhood, and the enduring bonds of family.
Israeli Folk Dancing (Social Hall)
Sunday, November 15, 10:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m.
Join us for a low-key Israeli folk dancing session with instructor Donna Frankel. Please sign up [here].
Bagels, Lox & Tefillah—BLT (Beit Midrash)
Sunday, November 15, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Rabbi Kunin for bagels, lox, and an engaging discussion about tefillah, including the order and meaning of the prayer service. Additional discussion topics will be announced. Come enjoy good food, thoughtful conversation, and a deeper understanding of Jewish prayer
Walking Without Worry: Practical Tips for Preventing Falls (Beit T’Fillah)
Sunday, November 15, 2:00–3:30 p.m.
A little prevention can go a long way toward staying active, confident, and independent. Join occupational therapist Julie Rettberg as she shares practical tips and simple strategies to help reduce the risk of falls. Learn how small changes to your home, daily habits, and routines can make a big difference in improving safety and maintaining balance. Whether you’re looking out for yourself or a loved one, this informative session will offer useful advice you can put into practice right away. Please RSVP by November 13, [here].
Mah Jongg Tournament (Social Hall)
Sunday, November 22, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
This event is full. Please call the office to be added to the waitlist (408) 257-3333.
Alternative Shabbat Sessions with Rabbi Seid-Valencia (Beit T’Fillah)
Saturday, November 21, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Join Rabbi Seid-Valencia as he explores teachings from early Hasidic masters, drawing connections to the weekly Torah portion and using their insights as a springboard for mindfulness meditation. Come ready to study, discuss, and experiment with meditation. No prior text study or meditation experience is needed. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THIS UPCOMING DATE: December 19.
61st Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (Offsite)
Thursday, November 26, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This year’s service will be at Sacred Heart, 13716 Saratoga Ave.
Start your day of gratitude off with neighbors of other faith communities in Saratoga.
The Former Prophets with Rabbi Roller (Beit T’Fillah)
Saturday, November 28, 12:45–2:15 p.m.
Discover some of the Bible’s most captivating stories. From war and love to betrayal and revenge, these ancient tales are filled with drama and intrigue that rival today’s bestsellers. We’re beginning the Book of Samuel, making this the perfect time for newcomers to join the conversation! Please bring a Hebrew Bible from home if you have one. A limited number of copies will be available for use during class from the Beth David library. Please note: In observance of Shabbat, e-books and other digital texts may not be used during class. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THIS UPCOMING DATE: and December 26.