Rosh Chodesh
News of the month - rosh chodesh Tevet bulletin
Tevet 5779 | Dec ‘18-Jan ‘19
Dear Friends,
One thing Robin and I have noticed since arriving in San Diego is what a dog-friendly place this is. Dogs and pets are welcome at venues and spaces all around town. Though we’re not dog owners ourselves, we appreciate the bonds many of you feel toward your pets. We admire your care, compassion, and the fun you have.
In an unusual Talmudic passage, our ancient rabbis permit a person to raise a dog as long as it is on a leash in public. Kind of like the leash law here in San Diego. I mention this only for context. It’s another statement in this Talmudic discussion that actually interests me.
In establishing laws and ordinances with which to create community, which is why they were discussing animals and pets, the rabbis demonstrate self-restraint. They remind themselves to issue a decree, a new ruling, only if a majority of the community is able to abide by it.
This impresses me. Leaders have no authority without followers who respect them. Governments have no moral sway if they lack credibility in their citizen’s eyes. Groups can’t sustain themselves without mutual regard between organizers and participants. A synagogue community does not grow and thrive without fostering genuine partnerships between clergy, lay leaders, and members.
Over the past six months we’ve shared in many new and familiar services and programs. We design all of these to build bonds, to promote Jewish life and learning, and to celebrate public occasions and personal milestones. We don’t, and we can’t, create engaging synagogue life without your input and energy. Congregation Beth El is a reflection of the values and interests, needs and desires we all hold in common as synagogue members and leaders.
Watch your mail over the next couple of weeks for our Winter-Spring House Key, a program guide to upcoming services, classes, and events. Though our plans are ambitious, they continue to evolve. I want to imagine with you how many more or more effective ways there may be to express ourselves as Jews and to provide for our religious, spiritual, and communal needs. Please share your ideas and interests with me. Please let me know where you’d like to lend a hand or help us create the synagogue experience you seek.
My vision for Congregation Beth El reflects yours. To be a center of Jewish life in San Diego, pursuing excellence in our synagogue activities, innovation in our synagogue services and programs, and genuine bonds of care and connection in our synagogue family. All the while remembering what the Talmud teaches. To lead in sync with your interests and needs, and to be friendly to the dogs I see around town.
B’Shalom Rav,
Rabbi Ron Shulman
On Thanksgiving, the Beth El Kosher Turkeys began the morning with the 5K/10K Run for the Hungry.
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On November 3 CBE Teens met up with Congregation Beth Am & Tifereth Israel Synagogue USY for an afternoon of paintball. Don’t miss the upcoming San Diego USY Shabbaton December 14-15 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue
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Administrative Update Willy Bagg, Executive Director
It will come as no surprise to any of you that Security is a top priority throughout the Jewish Community now. This is true for us at Beth El too. Like most synagogues we are seeking counsel, taking action, reviewing plans and improving readiness.
Our Security Task Force has been formed and has held its inaugural meeting. Pending their further recommendations, we have already taken immediate steps to increase security on our facility.
As you may have noticed we have ramped up the presence of security guards on the campus. A guard is now onsite every weekday from 7.45am to 2.45pm. On Thursdays this is supplemented by two guards (one armed and one unarmed) who will be present prior to the beginning of VTS classes until the end of BEIT.
Two guards will be present throughout services on Friday nights and Saturday mornings and again on Sundays from 8.30am to 1.30pm. If there are additional events taking place on any of these days, then guard resourcing will be supplemented accordingly.
The doors to the Administration Building, both front and back, will now remain locked throughout the day.
Please ring the doorbell during normal business hours to be buzzed in by reception.
In addition, both the front and back access gates to VTS will always remain locked. The only exception is that the front gate will unlock temporarily between 3.45pm and 4.15pm and 5.45pm and 6.15pm
Our efforts to review and upgrade security are ongoing, and I will advise of further developments as relevant. In the interim I remind everyone to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity or packages that you may see at Beth El.
In collaboration with the Interfaith Shelter Network, Beth El will be hosting situationally homeless individuals and families, December 16-30. We will provide them with food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities during their stay. Participate in this important Tikkun Olam opportunity by signing up here: https://www.cbe.org/event/isn-winter-shelter.html
“All the gifts the Children of Israel brought to carry out the sacred tasks…”
(Exodus 36:3)
We are deeply humbled and grateful for the thoughtful generosity of our members. Each contribution is a valued investment in the Congregation Beth El community. Our members show their love of family and community by donating in honor, in memory, in celebration, and in appreciation. Donations are vital to Congregation Beth El's commitment to provide a full range of programs and services to create a thriving Jewish community.
Members and non-members make contributions throughout the year to Beth El activities or funds as a way of saying “thank you,” memorializing someone, acknowledging a special honor, and more.
Donations received October 29, 2018 through December 4, 2018
In memory of…
Rabbi Libman’s assistance during shiva minyan in memory of Tammy’s loving mother, Eileen Mehlman by Tammy & David Gillies
Dan Blank & Bess Marcus
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News of the month - rosh chodesh Kislev bulletin
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Terumot Hakodesh - Sacred Tribute Gifts
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BEIT TEFILLAH - HOUSE OF PRAYER - Celebration
On hanukkah we do the most we can
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(A poem for lighting the Hanukkah Menorah)
Hope and blessing are what we need.
Hanukkah’s meaning reminds us,
L’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah -
The light is what we see!
Light reflects compassion, in our hearts both day and night.
Light reflects goodness, to be done with all our might.
Respect and dignity are what we need.
Hanukkah’s meaning reminds us,
L’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah -
The light is what we see!
Celebrating Hanukkah
Trouble on the Stage – Children’s Hanukkah play in English and Hebrew
New Prayer Services
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Friday November 9 at 7:30 pm
Stone Family Sanctuary
An innovative musical prayer service featuring Dr. Yochanan Winston, Rabbi Ron Shulman, and friends combining traditional and contemporary prayers for celebrating Shabbat with personal reflection, and joyous participation. A Shabbat version of our annual Kol Nidre musical service, planned monthly.
Hineni!
Saturday November 16 at 10:30 am
Beit Midrash
A concise and user-friendly one-hour Shabbat Morning service designed for those of us not yet accustomed to regular participation in Shabbat Morning services. Participate in a relaxed prayer experience reflecting Jewish tradition and contemporary life. Explore religious ideas and Jewish spirituality. Grow to engage meaningfully in synagogue services, guided by Rabbi Ron Shulman.
Weekly Shabbat Services Kislev 5779 | November-December 2018
November 16 | School Family Shabbat
December 7 | Young Family Shabbat 5:45 pm
November 10 | Minyanaires Shabbat participation
November 17 | Family Service 10:30 am
December 1 | 7th Grade Shabbaton
December 8 | Shabbat Hanukkah
Julian Reinstein becomes a Bar Mitzvah
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:30 a.m.
Mondays and Thursdays and Hanukkah at 7:20 a.m.
Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
relevance and authenticity
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During a recent impromptu discussion with several parents of elementary school age children, I was asked to describe my overall philosophy of Jewish education. I explained that it can be summed by the following two words, relevance and authenticity. In other words, we need to read and share our ancient stories to find intellectual and spiritual inspiration in our modern world. Additionally, we need to look to the future with excitement while embracing and honoring the language of our past.
May the light of the candles, inspire each of us find relevance and authenticity in our personal stories and journeys.
our New Executive Director reflects
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The Torah’s were then swapped over for Rabbi Avi to commence reading from the beginning again. He did this by singing the first word of the first verse - “Bereishit”. I must have been paying attention because something connected and struck me at that moment:
- The first letter of the first word of the Torah, Bereishit, beginning with B is a Beit.
- The last letter of the last word of the Torah, Yisrael, ending with L is a Lamed.
tikkun olam
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Contribute food or donate to Thanksgiving meals for families in need, so they may have a bountiful holiday. In coordination with Western Service Workers Association.
Walk/run with the Beth El Kosher Turkeys. The race begins in downtown San Diego. Funds raised will help support the North County Food Bank, and the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank, both working to eradicate hunger.
Participate in Jewish Family Service’s Embrace-a-Family project by fulfilling the holiday wish list of a local family who is struggling to make ends meet. We make a holiday celebration possible for those who would otherwise go without.
ISN Winter Shelter | December 16-30
In collaboration with the Interfaith Shelter Network, Congregation Beth El will be hosting homeless individuals and families. Participate in this important Tikkun Olam opportunity by volunteering to set up sleeping quarters, prepare meals, be an overnight host, or provide necessary items.
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Terumot HaKodesh – Sacred Tribute Gifts
Donations Received June 15, 2018 through October 29, 2018
Irv & Sandy Samit’s 64th Wedding Anniversary by Nehama & Victor Moreno
Steve Shoemaker & Denise Handler Shoemaker
to the Shoah Memorial Fund
Jacqueline Jacobs by Yonatan Libman
..to Youth Camp & Israel Scholarships
Tue, March 19 2024
9 Adar II 5784
Today's Calendar
Passover Food Drive 2024 |
Daily Minyan : 7:30am |
Coffee & Conversation : 9:30am |
Hamantaschen Baking : 10:00am |
Jewish Meditation Cohort : 2:00pm |
: 4:30pm |
: 7:00pm |
Friday Night
Kabbalat Shabbat Service : 6:15pm |
Shabbat Day
Passover Food Drive 2024 |
Torah Reading Class : 9:00am |
6th Grade BM Shabbat Morning Class : 9:00am |
Saturday Morning Service : 9:30am |
The Great Purim Heist: Megillah Reading & Celebration : 7:00pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Mar 1 Passover Food Drive 2024 Friday, Mar 1 |
Mar 19 Coffee & Conversation Tuesday, Mar 19 9:30am |
Mar 19 Hamantaschen Baking Tuesday, Mar 19 10:00am |
Mar 19 Jewish Meditation Cohort Tuesday, Mar 19 2:00pm |
Mar 19 |
Taanit Esther
Thursday, Mar 21 |
Join Our Mailing List
Why ShulCloud?
Zmanim
Alot Hashachar | 5:40am |
Earliest Tallit | 6:08am |
Netz (Sunrise) | 6:53am |
Latest Shema | 9:54am |
Zman Tefillah | 10:55am |
Chatzot (Midday) | 12:57pm |
Mincha Gedola | 1:27pm |
Mincha Ketana | 4:29pm |
Plag HaMincha | 5:45pm |
Shkiah (Sunset) | 7:01pm |
Tzeit Hakochavim | 7:37pm |
More >> |
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Friday ,
MarMarch 1 , 2024
Friday, Mar 1st (All day)
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Tuesday ,
MarMarch 19 , 2024
Tuesday, Mar 19th 9:30a to 10:30a
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Tuesday ,
MarMarch 19 , 2024
Tuesday, Mar 19th 10:00a to 2:00p
Join Michelle Gurr-Barbour in our Beth El kitchen for baking sessions where we'll roll out dough, fill it with an assortment of sweet fillings, and expertly shape hamentaschen. that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Together, let's infuse our Purim celebrations with the sweetness of friendship, tradition, and community spirit. These hamentaschen will be enjoyed at our Purim celebrations, and will enhance Mishloach Manot packages for seniors in our community. We'll provide all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Please bring an apron if you prefer to wear one. Please sign up HERE --> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D49ABAB2AA6FB6-48257546-hamentaschen#/ -
Tuesday ,
MarMarch 19 , 2024
Tuesday, Mar 19th 2:00p to 3:30p
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Tuesday ,
MarMarch 19 , 2024Chai Jews and Brews
Tuesday, Mar 19th 7:00p to 9:00p
Please check back soon for more information and registration. -
Wednesday ,
MarMarch 20 , 2024
Wednesday, Mar 20th 10:00a to 2:00p
Join Michelle Gurr-Barbour in our Beth El kitchen for baking sessions where we'll roll out dough, fill it with an assortment of sweet fillings, and expertly shape hamentaschen. that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Together, let's infuse our Purim celebrations with the sweetness of friendship, tradition, and community spirit. These hamentaschen will be enjoyed at our Purim celebrations, and will enhance Mishloach Manot packages for seniors in our community. We'll provide all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Please bring an apron if you prefer to wear one. Please sign up HERE --> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D49ABAB2AA6FB6-48257546-hamentaschen#/ -
Thursday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2024
Thursday, Mar 21st 10:00a to 2:00p
Join Michelle Gurr-Barbour in our Beth El kitchen for baking sessions where we'll roll out dough, fill it with an assortment of sweet fillings, and expertly shape hamentaschen. that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Together, let's infuse our Purim celebrations with the sweetness of friendship, tradition, and community spirit. These hamentaschen will be enjoyed at our Purim celebrations, and will enhance Mishloach Manot packages for seniors in our community. We'll provide all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Please bring an apron if you prefer to wear one. Please sign up HERE --> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D49ABAB2AA6FB6-48257546-hamentaschen#/ -
Thursday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2024VTS Thursday Grades 2-7
Thursday, Mar 21st 4:00p to 6:00p
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Thursday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2024Chai Yoga
Thursday, Mar 21st 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Chai member, Danya Greenberg, as she leads us through mindful movents and connection. Hope to see you there! Please bring a yoga mat, water and a towel. -
Thursday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2024
Thursday, Mar 21st 7:00p to 9:30p