House Key PROGRAM GUIDE - CONGREGATION BETH EL - ShulCloud
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CONNECTING AT BETH EL
WINTER – SPRING 2022
House
Key
CONGREGATION BETH EL
PROGRAM GUIDE
Winter- Spring 2022 Edition
Connecting at Beth El
Beth El Is Thankful
Dear Friends,
P erhaps the truth is Beth El is Tired. All of
us want to wish away a pandemic now two
years long. Beth El is Truthful, too. Given all
we confront and all we want to overcome, we are
grateful to be in community together.
O ur personal bonds as a Beth El
congregation continue to amaze me and
are a virtue of our community. We have
not missed a moment even though some of our
celebrations have required some modification
Especially during difficult days, Beth El is Thankful and some longer private reflections than we all
for each and every person and family who make hoped. This winter and spring, pandemic pending,
up our synagogue community and for each and we will continue our development of reconnection
every moment of caring, supporting, learning, and and building synagogue relationships, starting
celebration we share. All of which have brightened our Shabbat Havurah program, and other new
our days and helped us to endure and find purpose initiatives.
over the past couple of years. Our synagogue community is vital and strong. We
We continue to be COVID careful. We are taking continue to welcome new families on a weekly
all necessary precautions on campus and respect basis and I look forward to all of us getting together
the choices of our members to attend in person or soon. If you did not know, Beth El will be 65
online while we maintain our regular schedule of years old this coming summer, and I am hopeful
services and programs. for a spring event that celebrates our long term
involvement in our generous community.
Many people and a variety of Jewish values
comprise Congregation Beth El. That’s why we’ve I want to express all of our appreciation to Rabbi
made a list. Beth El Is…Thankful, Together, Torah, Shulman and Rabbi Libman and for the work of
Tikkun Olam, Tefillah, Tziyonut, Tarbut, Thoughtful, our talented and dedicated staff. Sincere thank you
Transformative, Tremendous, Tantalizing, Timeless to Michele Alexandria, Maria Alvarez, Cheryl Katz,
and making use of Technology! The acronym for all David Lipsitz, Sarah Marsh, Valentina Sharabi, Dvora
we celebrate about our synagogue is BEIT, which Vinick, Antonio Carmona, and Daniel Garcia for all
means house. We hope you’ll use this key to enter of their efforts on our behalf.
your house and engage in Jewish life with your In the meantime, I look forward to greeting you
synagogue family. personally at services or in conversation.
We are thankful for the devoted efforts of our Michael Weiner
synagogue staff and lay leadership which make this President, Congregation Beth El
guide, and the programs we hope to enjoy, possible.
Welcome home!
Rabbi Ron Shulman
Rabbi Avi Libman
1
Sukkot Services 2021
C ongregation Beth El is our spiritual and communal Jewish home. A home
in which we celebrate, learn, and create community. A home in which
we seek to live meaningful Jewish lives. As a synagogue family, we gather
for many occasions. We care for one another and the Jewish people. We serve
others and our society.
This winter and spring is the time to reintroduce ourselves to each other. To
renew and make new our bonds so that our synagogue may be a warm and
welcoming home for everyone. In Hebrew, home or house is Bayit, BEIT, for
short. As taught by Jewish tradition, we enter our synagogue home in three ways.
Ours is a House of Prayer, BEIT Tefillah,
or Beth El Is Tefillah.
Ours is a House of Learning, BEIT Midrash,
or Beth El Is Torah.
Ours is a House of Community, BEIT Knesset,
or Beth El Is Together.
Ours is a synagogue home of many other things, too. Most of all, ours is a
synagogue home for you. A home in which you belong and connect with others.
A home for you to attend, to participate in, and to volunteer through as you
may choose. A warm and welcoming home for every soul. A home in which
we celebrate, learn, and create community. A home in which we seek to live
meaningful Jewish lives.
In this House Key of services, classes, and programs you’ll find a variety of
ways to participate with our synagogue family at home on line and in person at
Congregation Beth El.
2
BEIT Tefillah · House of Prayer · Celebrations
SHABBAT PRAYER AND CELEBRATION
3 We call Shabbat a delight, a day to refresh
and renew. At Congregation Beth El, on
During Shabbat Services our rabbis, Ba’al
Tefillah, and synagogue members lead us in
Shabbat we join together as a synagogue Hebrew prayer and song. We also reflect on
family to rejoice in the gift of our lives, to insights of Jewish wisdom as we enjoy warm
reflect on the week gone by, and to sense and participatory services.
God’s presence through our prayer and On Shabbat mornings as we read and study
celebration. Torah our service embraces individuals and
You are welcome to join us each week for families who come to celebrate personal
Shabbat prayer on Friday evenings at 6:15 milestones.
pm and Saturday mornings at 9:30 am in Attend in person or participate with us
the Stone Family Sanctuary or online via online.
Livestream.
Shabbat Services
Kabbalat Shabbat Zoom Young Family Shabbat
Friday Evenings - 6:15 pm Friday, March 18
5:45 pm
Saturdays Zoom Meeting ID 884 9081 1888
Shabbat Mornings - 9:30 am Join us via Zoom for a musical half hour of song
and story for our children and their families. We
Young Family Shabbat will sing, pray, and welcome Shabbat together.
Fridays: February 4, March 4, April 1
5:45 pm Chai Shabbat Friday Night
Join us outside on the Beth El plaza for a musical Hangout
half hour of song and story for our children and Fridays: January 28, February 25,
their families. Each first Friday, we will sing, pray, March 25, April 29
and welcome Shabbat together. After the service, 6:15 pm
we will enjoy a Shabbat dinner on the plaza.
We gather for a spirited Friday night service and
Registration required at cbe.org.
visit. Enjoy some light munchies and beer as we
spend time together and celebrate the end of
the week. (These might move inside depending
on the weather and pandemic)
Shabbat Zoom Gali Gali
February 25 & February 26
Join us for all or part of our Shabbat Zoom Gali Gali!
Zoom Meeting ID: 890 9395 4471
Let’s embrace the reality of our spiritual community these days and rejoice. In person or via
Zoom we’ll share in Shabbat services together. We want to see and be with each other. We
want to sing and enjoy, visit and reflect all together. If you prefer not to join us in the Stone
Family Sanctuary, please dress so we can see you on Zoom. No dark screens. Join us for all or
part of our Shabbat Zoom Gali Gali! Only smiling faces!
Erev Shabbat Shabbat
Friday, February 25 Saturday, February 26
Shabbat Schmooze and Torah Study Session
Preparation 9:00 am
6:00 pm Let’s get together before services to study
Let’s get together before services to visit, this week’s Torah portion.
chat, and get ready for Shabbat.
Shabbat Morning Service
Erev Shabbat Service 9:30 am
6:15 pm
In addition to our prayer and song, we’ll Discussion
share favorite Jewish stories. 11:30 am
Following our service, we’ll discuss: “Jewish
Joys Not Oys!”
Kiddush and Shabbat Lunch
12:00 noon
For those attending in person.
Daily Minyan
Our friendly Daily Minyan gathers every weekday morning for prayer
in the Beit Midrash at 7:30 am and on Sundays at 9:00 am. A study
session and light breakfast follows Minyan on each weekday morning.
Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information about daily text
study, see page 14.
4BEIT Tefillah · House of Prayer · Celebrations
Understanding Conservative Judaism
Sunday, March 6
10:00 am
5 Join us in person or via Zoom
Zoom Meeting ID: 875 5515 3679
Our mission reads: “Congregation Beth El is a Conservative synagogue whose mission is to
create a home for every soul by offering a variety of Jewish experiences to nourish the mind,
heart, and spirit, while being a caring Jewish community.”
What does it mean to be a Conservative synagogue in 2022? What is distinctive about our
style of synagogue practice and celebration? What does it mean to be part of a world-wide
movement right here in La Jolla? What are we “conserving” and how are we adapting? Let’s
explore answers to these questions and learn more about the important work of Conservative
Judaism.
This program for our entire community is sponsored by Women’s Connection and the Torah
Fund Campaign of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism in support of perpetuating
Conservative/Masorti Judaism around the world through the training of Jewish clergy and
professionals.
High Holy Days 2021, Jacobs Family Community HallRosh HaShanah Morning 2021, Jacobs Family Community Hall
6
Sukkot Morning Services in the Sukkah 2021BEIT Tefillah · House of Prayer · Celebrations
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
7 We observe the sacred occasions of
the Jewish year each season. Our prayer
Throughout the year, online or in-person, our
observances include opportunities for all ages
services and events for each Jewish holiday to share in the particular spirit, happiness and
feature their unique ritual symbols and meaning of every holiday.
commemorations.
PURIM
Purim recounts an ancient tale of humor and challenge
remembering Queen Esther, Mordecai and the Jews of
Shushan. Purim encourages us to stand proud as Jews
and ever vigilant against prejudice and injustice.
Megillah Reading &
Purim Celebration
Wednesday, March 16
5:30 pm - Purim Dinner and Family Fun Festival
6:00 pm - Purim Story for Tots
6:30 pm - Megillah Reading with costume parade,
Queen Esther’s pageant, Shpiel, & lots of holiday fun!
Stone Family Sanctuary & Turk Family Plaza
Hop right into the Megillah and experience the story of
Purim coming to life right here at Beth El. Help Queen
Esther make a mask for the beauty contest, enter in our
Tzedakah lottery, play Carnival games, enjoy a delicious
feast, and even ride in on a white Horse like Mordecai.PASSOVER
Passover is a holiday of hope, renewal, and
life. Nature’s spring is the backdrop for our
people’s Exodus story of beginnings and
freedom. Passover’s message and mood
encourage and inspire us. As Spring begins,
Passover reminds us. We are keepers
of a vision, advocates for redemption.
Celebrating Pesah by gathering with family Siyyum B’khorim
and friends around our Seder tables Friday, April 15
and joining in community, we attach our 7:30 am
personal lives and concerns to the grand
and potent moral principles for which God A morning minyan and brief study session
brought our ancestors out of Egypt. followed by a light breakfast, the last hametz
meal before Passover. The tradition of
As Passover approaches, watch for participating in a Siyyum B’khorim marks
further information about Passover the role of the first born of both Israel and
programs and celebrations. Egypt in the Exodus story. Attendance at
this minyan is a special mitzvah for all first-born
males. First born daughters and everyone else
are also welcome.
Passover Festival Morning
Services
April 16 and 17, April 22 and 23
9:30 am
We invite you to join warm and special times
to experience the meaning, spirit and beauty
of celebrating Passover with your synagogue
family. On our Festival Services in prayer,
celebration and reflection, we’ll rejoice in
the purpose and joy of Passover. During our
service on Shabbat April 23, we recite Yizkor
Memorial Prayers.
Chai Passover Hike
Sunday, April 17
2:00 pm
Wake up early and stretch your legs for a Chai
Hike up the highest summit in our immediate
area, Cuyamaca Peak. A moderate fire road
winds up to the summit with commanding
views across most of San Diego County.
Registration required at cbe.org.
8BEIT Midrash · House of Study · Learning
BEIT: BETH EL IS THURSDAY
9
Winter - Spring 2022
Welcome to BEIT: Beth El Is Thursday
Everyone is welcome to join in our In Person or Online BEIT Midrash on Thursday evenings.
On each Beth El is Thursday evening you’ll have the chance to study and connect.
Winter-Spring BEIT sessions will be hybrid sessions, in person and online. In this way, we
can each participate being both COVID careful and comfortable.
Our focus for these first months of 2022 is Jewish community. Our rabbis and guests will
explore the nature of Jewish life today, thinking about pre and post COVID realities and
reflecting on timely and timeless texts of Jewish tradition.
For these sessions, BEIT Experience II meets at 7:00 pm. You may join us in person at Beth
El or via Zoom. A 30-minute text study course taught by Rabbi Ron Shulman precedes
these sessions each week at 6:30 pm.
BEIT Experience I
6:30 pm
The Exodus Story: From Text to Telling
January 20 through April 7
Rabbi Ron Shulman
Each week we’ll study from a core text of Jewish tradition.
Beginning in the Hebrew Bible, then
exploring the Prayer Book, Talmudic
texts, Medieval and Modern Law Codes,
and concluding with Midrash and the
Haggadah, we will trace the development
of the mitzvah of telling the Exodus story
which we fulfill every year at our Seder
tables.
(Please note: Only on January 27 The
Exodus Story will meet from 6 to 6:30 pm)BEIT Experience II
7:00 pm
People Love Dead Jews
January 20
Author Dara Horn
A startling exploration of how Jewish history is exploited to flatter the living
reflecting on subjects as far-flung as the international veneration of Anne
Frank, the blockbuster traveling exhibition called “Auschwitz,” the Jewish
history of the Chinese city of Harbin, and the little known “righteous Gentile”
Varian Fry, Dara Horn challenges us to confront the reasons why there might
be so much fascination with Jewish deaths, as emblematic of the worst of
evils the world has to offer, and so little respect for Jewish lives, as they
continue to unfold in the present.
Horn draws on her own family’s life — trying to explain Shakespeare’s Shylock to a curious
10-year-old, her anger when swastikas are drawn on desks at her children’s school in New Jersey,
the profound and essential perspective offered by traditional religious practice, prayer, and
study — to assert the vitality, complexity, and depth of this life against an anti-Semitism that, far
from being disarmed by the mantra of “Never forget,” is on the rise.
Dara Horn joins us via Zoom to discuss her best-selling book and to dialogue with Rabbi
Shulman.
The Rabbis’ Hour: Jewish Life &
Community | Concerning Trends
and Exciting Opportunities
January 27*, February 3 & 10
7:00 pm
Rabbi Phil Graubart, Rabbi Avi Libman, & Rabbi Ron Shulman
Join the rabbis of Congregation Beth El as they explore what concerns and excites them about Jewish
life and Jewish community today - and as they imagine the future. Each week one rabbi will teach
from a text reflecting his perspective. After our learning, the rabbis will dialogue with each other and
participants.
(Please note: Only on January 27 The Rabbis’ Hour will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 pm)
10BEIT Midrash · House of Study · Learning
BEIT Experience II - Continued
Jewish California
February 17
7:00 pm
11 Rob Eshman, National Editor of The Forward
Rob Eshman writes a weekly “Letter from California” which brings a local
lens to Jewish news and a Jewish lens on all things California. Rob, the
Forward’s national editor and the former editor and publisher of the Jewish
Journal of Los Angeles, looks at the world’s most innovative, exciting Jewish
communities, along with what matters in Sacramento, Silicon Valley and, of
course, Hollywood. He also writes a blog, “Foodism,” which explores food and
its relation to history, tradition, spirituality, social justice and the environment.
Rob Eshman joins us via Zoom for his presentation and to dialogue with Rabbi Shulman.
The Rabbis’ Hour: Jewish Life & Community | Concerning
Trends and Exciting Opportunities
February 24
7:00 pm
Rabbi Jason Nevarez, Congregation Beth Israel San Diego, & Rabbi Ron Shulman
Rabbi Jason Nevarez of Congregation Beth Israel joins with Rabbi Shulman
to explore what concerns and excites them about Jewish life and Jewish
community today - and as they imagine the future. Each rabbi will teach from
a text reflecting his perspective. After our learning, the rabbis will dialogue
with each other and participants.
Communal Conversations | “Pre and Post Covid: What Jewish
Community Means to Me?”
March 3, 10, & 24
Betzy Lynch, CEO, Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center
Tammy Gillies, Regional Director, Anti-Defamation League
Beth Sirull, President and CEO, Jewish Community Foundation
with Rabbi Ron Shulman
Three communal leaders and Beth El members
will reflect a bit and share a text or idea that
represents their sense of Jewish community.
Their discussion about Jewish life and Jewish
San Diego with Rabbi Shulman and participants
will also try to imagine what to carry forward
from the past and to see different in the future.The Telling
March 31
7:00 pm
Author Mark Gerson
Telling the Exodus Story Anew
April 7
7:00 pm
Rabbi Ron Shulman
In The Telling, Mark Gerson shows us how It’s our third pandemic Passover and again
to make the Seder the most engaging, time to tell the Exodus story. What new
inspiring, and important night of the Jewish insights and understandings can we bring
year. The Telling will enable you to see what to our Seder tables this year? What have
the Haggadah really is: The Greatest Hits we learned since last Passover? How might
of Jewish Thought. This understanding will we read ourselves and our experiences into
enable you to provide your guests with the the Exodus story? Join Rabbi Shulman to
most interesting, insightful and practically explore the Haggadah and Passover holiday
helpful night of the year—with teachings and for meaning and ideas as we prepare for our
lessons that will continue to brighten in the Seder celebrations.
year to come.
Mark Gerson, an entrepreneur and
philanthropist, is the co-founder of Gerson
Lehrman Group, African Mission Healthcare,
and United Hatzalah of Israel. A graduate of
Williams College and Yale Law School, Mark
is the author of books on intellectual history
and education. His articles and essays on
subjects ranging from Frank Sinatra to the
biblical Jonah have been published in The
New Republic, Commentary, The Wall Street
Journal and USA Today. He writes a weekly
Torah column for the Christian Broadcasting
Network and hosts the popular podcast The
Rabbi’s Husband, and recently launched
Torah Academy, an online resource for
channeling the Torah’s practical insight and
wisdom to live a happier, more successful life.
Mark is married to Rabbi Erica Gerson. They
and their four children live in New York City.
Mark Gerson joins us via Zoom to discuss his
best-selling book and to dialogue with Rabbi
Shulman. Mark Gerson joins us courtesy of
the Jewish Book Council.
12BEIT Midrash · House of Study · Learning
Special Beit Session for Our Teens*
*Parents and Adults welcome to join, too.
13 Our Civic Responsibilities as Jews
January 27
6:30 pm
Mr. Chanan Weissman, White House Liaison to the American Jewish Community
We are delighted to welcome via Zoom Chanan Weissman whom President
Biden recently appointed as the White House liaison to the Jewish community.
In his role, Mr. Weissman seeks input from and represents the administration
to the larger Jewish community. He will dialogue with our teens and high
school students about leadership and our civic responsibilities as Jews.
Though this program is for our teens, their parents and our community’s
adults are invited to listen in on the conversation.
Thursday Night Teens enjoying an interactive learning sessionDaily Learning
Following Daily Minyan each morning at 8:15 am
Study of Jewish Law & Lore
Mondays
Rabbi Avi Libman
We use the Shulchan Arukh as a beginning point
for our conversation, which covers current
questions and topics of interest.
Talmud Study Class
Wednesdays
Rabbi Ron Shulman
Come enjoy the steady and slow experience
of studying the core text of Rabbinic Judaism,
the Talmud. We learn what the Talmud is and
how it informs Jewish life today. Though we
study in English, references to Hebrew will be
useful as we make our way in discussing and
understanding the texts we read.
Study of Texts and Topics
Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays
Minyan participants offer their insights and
knowledge on many Jewish texts and topics and
enjoy learning from each other.
Torah Reading
Saturday Mornings
9:00 am
Dr. Ran Anbar
Learn to read Torah or grow your Torah reading
skills. If you wish, read Torah on occasional
Shabbat mornings as member of our Torah
reading squad. We meet on a regular basis to
teach Torah trope to beginners, review trope
with more experienced readers, and practice
upcoming Torah readings.
14BEIT Midrash · House of Study · Learning
15
On the Turk Family Plaza enjoying the show!
The Bible Players present Hanukkah!Kindling the lights of Hanukkah!
Song and celebration in the Sukkah
The Cast of our Sukkot Wandering Skits
16
VTS students waving Lulav and EtrogBEIT Midrash · House of Study · Learning
Jewish Experiential Learning
Jewish Experiential Learning at Beth El strives to provide an environment where our
17 students grow to experience an authentic Jewish community that is relevant, personal
and inspiring.
Through school-wide experiences like singing, prayer, games and activities, as well as
grade-level Judaic, Hebrew and prayer instruction, we engage Viterbi Torah School
(VTS) students (K-7) in dynamic and multi-modal learning. We take advantage of Beth
El’s beautiful and expansive campus to allow students move and learn outside both to
connect with the natural world and to practice safe distancing and snack habits while at
VTS.
At Thursday Night Teens (TNT) our 8th-12th graders develop the skills needed to
navigate our changing world as informed by Jewish thought. They gain an opportunity
to engage in more mature learning about current events and contemporary Jewish life.
Teens are engaged in leadership training through which they plan programs and social
activities for their peers.
Our approach to developing inquisitive, skilled and engaged young Jewish people pays
special attention to the social-emotional well being of each student, so that all can
benefit from a safe and connected learning community.18
BEIT Knesset · House of Assembly · Community
TIKKUN OLAM/SOCIAL ACTION
The Tikkun Olam Committee organizes small and large volunteer projects throughout the
19 year. We strive to help those in need by sheltering the homeless, feeding the hungry, and
providing for the underprivileged. Make a difference in your community. Tell us what you
are passionate about. Beth El wants to participate in volunteer efforts that are important
to you. For more details about each of the Tikkun Olam projects below, visit our Tikkun
page at cbe.org.
Tikkun Olam Open Forum Adopt A Kindness Family
Sundays: January 30, March 13 Congregation Beth El is “adopting a family” in
9:45 - 10:45 am collaboration with Kindness Initiative (KI). KI
believes no Jewish household in San Diego
Zoom & Beit Midrash County should face life’s challenges alone.
Zoom Meeting ID: 872 5045 7227 Through wrap-around services, the KI team
The Tikkun Olam/Social Action Committee at seeks to alleviate the pressures and complexity
Congregation Beth El invites you to participate of financial insecurity, by assisting members to
in our Open Forum committee meetings. We access the resources they need to achieve self
gather to discuss and plan our future social sufficiency.
action projects By adopting a family, we will make a substantial
difference in the life of a specific, local Jewish
household.
We have made a one year commitment to
contribute $360 monthly to our adopted KI
family, as well as help them with other needs
throughout the year. You can help by donating
funds or by helping fulfill some of the family’s
needs listed on the Tikkun page at cbe.org. If
you have any questions, please contact
Tikkun@cbe.org.Clothing Drive Rachel’s Women’s Shelter
Spring 2022 Sundays: February 6, March 6, April 3
As the seasons change, help provide necessary Volunteers prepare and serve Sunday dinner
clothing items to children in need. We will be once a month to the residents of Rachel’s
collaborating with Assertive Family Solutions, Women’s Shelter, a shelter that provides
an organization providing healthy, happy, loving supportive and safe emergency shelter for
environments for children being raised by homeless women. Sign up to prepare part of
grandparents in non-traditional circumstances. the meal on the Tikkun page at cbe.org. For
See the Tikkun page at cbe.org for a list of items more information contact Roberta Winston at
needed. robertawinston@gmail.com.
Passover Food Drive StandUp for Kids
Now through March 21 Mondays: February 7, March 7, April 4
Donate food and holiday items to be included Each month, volunteers deliver a hot dinner
in packages for homebound seniors, in from a well-loved restaurant to StandUp for Kids,
collaboration with the Foodmobile Program an organization serving homeless youth in San
at Jewish Family Service. See cbe.org to Diego. For more information and to volunteer,
donate funds and to see a full list of items being contact Tikkun@cbe.org
collected this year. If you’d like to help assemble
the Passover packages, contact
Tikkun@cbe.org.
20BEIT Knesset · House of Assembly · Community
Israel
Yom Ha’Atzmaut Shabbat CommUNITY Trip to Israel
21 Friday, May 6 May 4 – 11, 2023
6:15 pm - Shabbat Services with Israeli Join with hundreds of people from across the
themes and tunes San Diego Jewish community for a dynamic,
7:15 pm – Shabbat Dinner and program meaningful Israel travel experience with local
clergy, staff from congregations and Jewish
Let’s celebrate Israel with a lively Shabbat agencies, leaders of all ages, and Jewish
service followed by an Israeli themed Shabbat professionals and passionate volunteers.
dinner. Our Shinshinim will join us to share
their experiences as Israeli Jews living in San Please let the synagogue office know of your
Diego and working with American Jewish interest. Visiting Israel with our larger San
organizations. Diego Jewish community, we’ll travel together
in Israel on a Beth El bus. If enough Beth El
Registration required at cbe.org. members desire, we can also extend our trip
and explore Israel together.
Please send us an email to
michele@cbe.org.Young Families Shabbat Playdate at the Park
Saturday, March 12
Young Family Shabbat 2:30 pm
Fridays: February 4, March 4, April 1 We’ll meet at a local park for some Shabbat fun.
We’ll read a Shabbat story, sing some songs, and
5:45 pm
have a good time playing outside together.
Join us outside on the Beth El plaza for a
musical half hour of song and story for our
children and their families. Each first Friday, we Young Families Passover
will sing, pray, and welcome Shabbat together. Cooking Class
After the service, we will enjoy a Shabbat dinner Sunday, April 3
on the plaza. Registration required at cbe.org.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Turk Family Plaza
Zoom Young Family Shabbat
Learn to make delicious Passover treats to bring
Friday, March 18
to your Passover celebrations! Kids will love
Zoom Meeting ID: 872 5045 7227 mixing and measuring, and you’ll all enjoy eating
Join us via Zoom for a musical half hour of song the results. Each family will have their own
and story for our children and their families. We materials and ingredients. Registration required
will sing, pray, and welcome Shabbat together. to attend.
22BEIT Knesset · House of Assembly · Community
Chai
Friday Night Hangout Purim L’Chaim
23 January 28, February 25, March 25,
April 29
Wednesday, March 16
7:00 pm
6:15 pm Get your costumes ready for a silly time at
Turk Family Plaza CBE. There will be no shortage of laughs an
We gather for a spirited Friday night entertainment as we read the megillah and
service and visit. Enjoy some light sip some adult beverages on Purim.
munchies and beer as we spend time
together and celebrate the end of the Chai Pesah Hike
week. Sunday, April 17
2:00 pm
Chai Celebrates Black
Wake up early and stretch your legs for
History Month a Chai Hike up the highest summit in
Sunday, February 6 our immediate area, Cuyamaca Peak. A
3:00 pm moderate fire road winds up to the summit
with commanding views across most of
A shared minority experience in American San Diego County.
history has created a rich and unusual
bridge between Jews and Blacks. Discuss
our common bonds and brainstorm future
outreach as we snack on Vegan Soul Food
at the One World Beat Cafe, a multicultural
event space with delicious
food representing
an array of
ethnobotanical
heritage.Women’s Connection
Celebrating Beth El’s community of dynamic women of all ages for more than 65 years
Monthly Rosh Chodesh Gatherings
January 31, March 2, April 4
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Zoom Meeting ID: 854 0077 4253
Celebrate the new moon, new friends, and new spiritual connections. Over the past years more than
175 women of all ages have joined in sharing in large and small group discussion, education, Torah
study, meditation, dance, prayer, presentations about international Jewish communities, and more.
Join Zoom at 6:00 pm; program at 6:30 pm All ages welcome. For more information, contact Karen
Bohrer kbohrer@usa.net.
Knit ‘n’ Nosh
Monthly: 2nd Thursdays when the office is open
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Zoom & Jacobs Family Community Hall
Zoom Meeting ID: 827 8838 0684
Learn and perfect creative yarn knitting and crocheting skills while creating Tikkun projects including
caps for premature babies, scarves for women facing breast cancer, and hats for Israeli soldiers. For
information contact Joy Wasserman Polun at wassermanjoy3@gmail.com.
Mah Jongg
Weekly: Mondays when the
office is open
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Jacobs Family Community Hall
The 65+ year tradition continues as
players of all ages gather at Beth El
for weekly games and camaraderie.
Players must be vaccinated and
have masks. Coordinators are Ronni
Zeidman and Betty Hoffman.
A Learners’ Group led by Edna Yedid
will also be starting in the Spring on
Mondays 1:00 - 3:00 pm
For information contact Karen Bohrer
at kbohrer@usa.net
24BEIT Knesset · House of Assembly · Community
Affinity Groups
Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit
25 Wednesdays: February 2, March 2, April 6
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Dr. Sandra Block
Zoom Meeting ID: 892 3530 6991
How can aging be a good thing? Aging all too often feels like drifting downhill to a place we don’t
want to go. But each year new doors open with opportunities, even while others close with loss.
We have the power to prepare, to become stronger, more resilient, and navigate these challenges.
Will we turn toward the opportunities, and find new joy and meaning in life? How can we make
the most of this time, and develop into deeper, wiser people?
Men Talking to Men
Tuesdays: February 22, March 22, April 26
6:30 pm
A monthly gathering of discussion and comradery. Participants select the topic for each session.
Men of all ages and backgrounds comprise this diverse and interesting group of men who come
to share and listen in a safe space. New participants are always welcome. Men only, please.
Contact Bernardo Bicas at bery2982@gmail.com for more information.
Women Talking with Women
Tuesdays: February 22, March 22, April 26
6:30 pm
Dr. Sandra Block and Renee Ravich
Zoom Meeting ID: 831 0643 7225
Come explore what it means to be a Jewish woman today in our women-only group. We engage
with each other by sharing our life experiences through the rich lens of Jewish practice, history,
arts and rituals. Through readings, discussion and writing we will deepen our knowledge of
ourselves, each other and the wider Jewish community.
Short Stories
Sundays: February 27, March 27, April 24
10:30am - 12:00 pm
Zoom Meeting ID: 828 4366 0614
A lively and interactive monthly discussion of short stories. The stories are sent to participants
one week in advance. Volunteer presenters from within the group rotate monthly. For
more information, contact Linda Kozin at linda@kozin.net or Joy Wasserman Polun at
wassermanjoy3@gmail.com. No registration required.Shabbat Havurah
The new Shabbat Havurah program is an effort to form connections within our Beth El
community. As we return to shul, to normalcy, and to each other, we will focus on nurturing
new or deeper relationships through welcoming Shabbat together in small groups. Every month,
one member of each Havurah will host their group to welcome Shabbat on Friday night with
blessings, songs, and Shabbat dinner. This program will run for one year. If all goes well, we’re
looking forward to offering this program again in future years, and giving you an opportunity to
participate in several Havurot.
The Shabbat Havurah program is open to all Beth El members of every age and stage! Complete
your registration form with your gathering preferences, and we will do our best to find you a
wonderful Havurah. Register at cbe.org.
Registration is now open. Stay tuned for dates & more details.
Synagogue Staff
Rabbi Ron Shulman Valentina Sharabi
rshulman@cbe.org Marketing & Events Coordinator
Rabbi Avi Libman valentina@cbe.org
avi@cbe.org Dvora Vinick
Michele Alexandria Program Director
Rabbinic & Administrative Assistant dvinick@cbe.org
michele@cbe.org
Maria Alvarez
Facilities Team
Executive Assistant & Office Administrator Antonio Carmona,
shalom@cbe.org Facilities Manager
Daniel Garcia
Cheryl Katz
Director of Jewish Learning
President
cheryl@cbe.org
Michael Weiner
David Lipsitz
President
Ba’al Tefillah, Chai Coordinator
president@cbe.org
david@cbe.org
Sarah Marsh
Senior Accountant
business@cbe.org 26Congregation Beth El 8660 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92037
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