About Beth David Women
Beth David Women is a diverse group of women who draw strength from each other in our commitment to Jewish ideals. Our mission is to bring women together to support and benefit our Congregation and community, and to enrich our lives through personal and spiritual growth and friendship. We accomplish this mission through social and educational programs, worship, social action, and leadership development.
Beth David Women is affiliated with Women’s League of Conservative Judaism (WLCJ), a voice of Conservative Jewish Women all over the world and is a proud participant in WLCJ’s annual Torah Fund Campaign. Torah Fund supports the education of Conservative rabbis, cantors, educators and scholars through scholarships and programs.
Please Join Us
Women of all ages and interests at Congregation Beth David are invited to join us. In fact, we consider all women at Beth David to be a part of our group – we do not charge annual dues (although many women do provide a small donation each year). Please email women@beth-david.org to be added to our roster, offer suggestions, ask questions, or provide comments. We would love to hear from you.
Without you, we are one woman short!
UPCOMING/ONGOING EVENTS
Beth David Women offers a variety of programs, activities, and classes throughout the year. Some of our popular events include our monthly lunches (Ladies Who Lunch) and dinners (Dames Who Dine), an annual Mah Jongg Tournament, cooking classes, hamantaschen baking and sales, and speakers. In addition, each year Beth David Women joins sisterhoods around the world in celebrating the founding of Women’s League by leading a special Shabbat Service and hosting the Kiddush luncheon following the service.
- Jewish Harlem – April 17. Noted lecturer Justin Ferate will share his vast knowledge on the rich and varied history of Jewish Harlem. From about 1870-1930, after the Lower East Side and Warsaw, Harlem was the 3rd largest Jewish community on earth. This presentation will be on Zoom; please register to help gauge attendance: Jewish Harlem
- Ladies Who Lunch – April 20. Thanks to Dafna Mizrahi for hosting the March LWL. Due to the Passover holidays, the next LWL will be April 20 at the home of Madelyn Isaacs. The SignUpGenius will be sent soon.
- Ladies Who Lunch 2023 – Hosts Needed. Hosts are still needed for November and December. To find out what hosting entails and/or to sign up, contact Jane Jacobson (jane.j.jacobson@gmail.com).
- Lilith Salon – March 15. This event is full and there is a waiting list.
Support For Beth David and Our Larger Community
Beth David Women is dedicated to supporting our Congregation and making it a vibrant and welcoming place where our members can share in friendship and worship. We often partner with Men’s Club to share in events and fundraisers and to make contributions that meet the religious and financial needs of our Congregation. Some of the ways we make an impact include:
- Presenting each B’nai Mitzvah with a Kiddush Cup
- Supporting the religious school
- Funding some of the musical Shabbat services
- Sending Torah Fund cards to congregants who experience a life cycle event
- Providing flowers or other decorations for the bima on the high holy days
Beth David Women also offers opportunities to serve our larger community and make it a better place to live. Some of these opportunities include:
- Hosting Shabbat dinners each year for Hillel students at San Jose State University
- Holding an annual event to support the Torah Fund Campaign
- Supporting Beth David’s team at the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life
- Contributing to the Safe Car Park program
- Assembling hygiene kits for shelters with AAi
- Providing financial support to charitable causes such as shelters, food banks, JFCS, etc.
Our Subgroups
Beth David Women has two subgroups.
The Not Just One (NJO) subgroup was formed in 2019. It is a social group for women of all ages who are unattached (single, divorced, or widowed) who would like to share camaraderie and fun. To learn more about the group, contact Seema Cicerone at seemacicerone@gmail.com or Rudi Katz at jeffrudi1@gmail.com .
The Joys of Being a Grandma subgroup was formed recently by one of our members and provides a forum for grandmothers to discuss their experiences. The group meets the first Tuesday of the month. For more information, contact Dafna Mizrahi at Dafi.sorokin@gmail.com.