High Holy Days Additional information is available at betham.org/hhd5779

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1 T H E B E T H A M SEPTEMBER 2018 ELUL 5778 / TISHREI 5779 High Holy Days 5779 Additional information is available at betham.org/hhd5779 IN THIS ISSUE: Adult Learning Opportunities in 5779 PAGE 3 Reflections on Synagogue Life in North America PAGE 8 Beth Am Welcomes Josh Block PAGE 8 Two name tags (your tickets) per household of members in good standing were enclosed in the High Holy Day mailing sent in mid August. (If you haven t yet received yours, please contact the Beth Am office at (650) ) All High Holy Day services and programs will be held at the SE LOCATION AS LAST YEAR but with a new name Redemption Bay Area Church, unless otherwise noted. Redemption is located at 105 Nortech Parkway, San Jose, CA 95134, approximately 25 minutes by car from Beth Am. purchase your prayer books: We use Mishkan HaNefesh: Machzor for the Days of Awe. Beth Am has only a limited supply to lend out for visitors; members should bring their own sets. ticket orders: Ticket orders placed after Thursday, August 30 must be picked up in the Beth Am office or at the Will Call Box at Redemption. special seating: (disability-related) Contact the Beth Am office. youth programs sign-up for preschoolers through 5th grade: Online registration deadline has passed. Walk-in registrations accepted as space permits. s lichot film & service: Saturday, September 1, 7:30 P.M., Beth Am Social Hall & Sanctuary rosh hashanah services: Sunday, September 9, 8 P.M. Monday, September 10, 10 A.M. services for families with young children: Family Rosh Hashanah Celebration with Jewish Baby Network (co-sponsored by Beth Am): Sunday, September 9, 10:30 A.M. to Noon, Juana Briones Park, Palo Alto Rosh Hashanah: Monday, September 10, 1:30 P.M. Yom Kippur: Wednesday, September 19, 1:30 P.M. teen programs: For 6th-12th graders Rosh Hashanah: Monday, September 10, 10 A.M. Yom Kippur: Wednesday, September 19, 10 A.M. tashlikh: Monday, September 10, 4 P.M., Baylands Sailing Station shabbat shuvah service: Friday, September 14, 6:15 P.M. Beth Am Sanctuary & Outdoor Chapel high holy day food drive: Bag distribution on Rosh Hashanah: Monday, September 10 Food collection on Yom Kippur: Wednesday, September 19 yom kippur services: Tuesday, September 18, Kol Nidre at 8 P.M. Wednesday, September 19: Morning Service at 10 A.M.; Afternoon Service at 3:30 P.M.; Yizkor & N eilah (Concluding) Service at 4:45 P.M. (concludes at approximately 6:45 P.M.) yom kippur afternoon study sessions: Wednesday, September 19, 1:30 P.M. sukkot: Family Sukkot Celebration with Jewish Baby Network (sponsored by Beth Am): Sunday, September 23, 3:30 to 5 P.M., PJCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City Sukkot for Families with Young Children: Saturday, September 29, 9:15 A.M., Beth Am Sukkah S mores in the Sukkah: Sunday, September 23, BAJY meets at 3 P.M.; BATY meets at 7 P.M. (including Havdalah), Beth Am Sukkah simchat torah celebration: Sunday, September 30, 5 P.M., Beth Am Sanctuary shemini atzeret festival/yizkor service & brunch: Monday, October 1, 9:30 A.M., Beth Am Beit Kehillah CONTACT US AT (650)

2 Rabbi Janet Marder We walk past a thousand natural miracles each day. Everyday Miracles To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour William Blake, Auguries of Innocence Blake s words, composed more than 200 years ago, offer a startling promise: that in small, ordinary things we can catch a glimpse of something vast and extraordinary. Even the most insignificant, everyday object, he says, viewed with sufficient energy and attention, becomes a microcosm of beauty and truth. It s a lovely idea, but not clear how such a promise relates to us. Consumed as we are by work and family responsibilities and myriad technological distractions, it s hard to figure out how we might experience moments of mystery and transcendence. But Blake s vision still has resonance in the modern world. Astrophysicist Adam Frank writes: Can we really see the universe in a grain of sand, even as we slog through traffic? Can we really hold infinity in our hands, even as we drop off the kids to violin practice? The answer, I believe, is yes. In fact, I am sure that the answer is yes. The connection between the everyday reality we experience and boundless landscapes of cosmic beauty, inspiration and joy is actually so close, so present for us. It s there in the dust on your car, the mess on your desk and the swirling water in your sink. How do I know this? Because I am a scientist and I know that Science under all its theories, equations, experiments and data is really trying to teach us to see the sacred in the mundane and the profound in the prosaic Through the lens of science we can see how even the smallest thing can be a gateway to an experience of the extraordinary, if only we can practice noticing. We walk past a thousand, thousand natural miracles every day, from the sun climbing in the sky to the arc of birds seen out our windows. Those miracles are there waiting for us to see them, to notice them and, most importantly, to find our delight in theirs. Awakening to the delight of small natural miracles is a core spiritual practice, opening us to moments of awe and wonder each day of life. And learning to find joy in ordinary things is also a proven path to happiness. Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, in The How of Happiness (2007), identifies 12 happiness practices one of which is deliberately cultivating the ability to savor small sensory pleasures: the sight of a hummingbird, the velvety texture of a rose, the scent of jasmine, your first sips of coffee on a quiet morning, a cool breeze, a hot shower, slipping off your shoes to go barefoot in the grass, walking your dog at twilight. Learning to focus on and prolong the pleasure of such moments rescues us from the unrelenting onslaught of bad news, from the chores that clutter our days, and the many anxieties, small and large, that occupy our thoughts. Jewish Sages, unaware of astrophysics or positive psychology, possessed profound insight into the dangers of boredom, apathy, sloth and despair. They sought ways to keep our minds, hearts and spirits alive through practices of daily renewal and refreshment. One of the best and simplest of these practices is saying a blessing first mentioned in the Mishnah (c.200c.e.): One who has built a new house, or purchased new vessels (garments), says: Blessed is God, who has brought us to this time [B rachot 9:3]. A fuller version of the blessing is found in the Talmud: Blessed is Adonai our God, who has given us life, sustained us and brought us to this time. Known as the Shehehcheyanu, the blessing in Hebrew goes like this: Baruch ata, Adonai Eloheynu, melech ha-olam, sheheh-cheyanu, v ki-y manu, v higi anu laz-man hazeh. Shehehcheyanu is recited on special occasions purchasing a new home, car, garment or other object that brings us pleasure; and also at milestone moments in our lives: a child s birth, at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or wedding; when celebrating conversion to Judaism, a special birthday or wedding anniversary. More precisely, reciting the blessing connecting ourselves to something larger than ourselves helps to make these occasions special and sacred. A poignant example is the custom of reciting Shehehcheyanu when seeing an old friend after a long absence. In a larger sense, saying Shehehcheyanu makes God s presence real and tangible in our daily life, reminding us that the real locus of holiness is right here and right now. But Shehehcheyanu is not just recited on special, once in a lifetime occasions. It s recited each time we return to a seasonal mitzvah, as an expression of joy at arriving once again at a beloved time. It s as if we re saying: here we are a year older, but still alive, still present and still celebrating this life. We ll say this blessing several times on Rosh Hashanah when we light the festival candles, following the Kiddush and when we sound the shofar. Some Jews have the custom of eating a new seasonal fruit at dinner on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, so that they can say Shehehcheyanu then, as well as if to maximize the celebration and delight. Saying the words deliberately, focusing on the joy of arriving at this time, draws our attention to the present moment, the only one we have. It reminds us to savor the here and now fragile, evanescent, utterly precious. As we dip our apple or challah into honey and greet the new year 5779, we pray for a renewed sense of life s goodness and beauty. Shanah tovah! The Marder family wishes you sweetness and delight every day. PAGE 2

3 5779 YEAR-AT-A-GLANCE Adult Learning Classes Begin in September Beth Am offers many wonderful opportunities for adult learning, including Torah Study with Rabbi Marder on Shabbat mornings and Talmud Study on Thursdays at noon with Rabbi Weissman. Learn more about each class and how to register at betham.org/adulted5779 or call (650) Scholarships are always available. For more information, contact Rabbi Weissman at (650) or Building Blocks of Judaism: Thursday Evenings, September 27, March 21, 2019 This course is for anyone who wishes to learn (or re-learn) more about Judaism. All are welcome. (See the Building Blocks article on this page for details.) Mussar for Men: Meets Tuesday Evenings, September 25, October 9 & 23, November 13 & 27, December 11; January 8 & 22, Februrary 12 & 26, March 12 & 26, April 9 & 23, May 7 A highly interactive program of personal growth and authentic conversation taught by Greg Marcus. Every two weeks we will focus on a different soul trait to help spark an authentic conversation about who we are, and how to show up as our best selves. Sign up by Friday, September 21. Hebrew for Adults: Classes Begin the Week of October 2 Whether you re learning the Aleph-Bet or brushing up on your conversational Hebrew, we have a class for you! Adult Confirmation Jewish Spiritual Paths: Tuesday Evenings, October 16 December 18, 2018; Culminating Service on January 25, 2019 This is a new class designed especially for parents whose children have celebrated Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Confirmation in recent years, and is taught by Rabbis Janet Marder and Sarah Weissman. Saxe Family Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Rachel Adler, PhD: November In keeping with this year s adult education theme, Sex and Gender in Judaism, we are delighted to welcome our scholarin-residence, Rabbi Rachel Adler, PhD, Professor of Modern Jewish Thought and Feminist Studies at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. The schedule of the weekend will be available soon. Modern Jewish Literature Class: Sundays, January 6, February 3, March 10, April 14 & May 12, 2019 This five-session seminar, taught by Rabbi Janet Marder and Dr. Joyce Penn Moser, explores fascinating works by American, European and Israeli Jewish writers that illuminate the human condition. Come prepared for a lively discussion. Adult Study Retreat at Asilomar: July 19-21, 2019 Join together for a relaxing, inspiring and fun weekend on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. Celebrate Shabbat with prayer, learning, singing and schmoozing. This will be Rabbi Marder s last Asilomar retreat before she retires you won t want to miss it! Building Blocks of Judaism Class Judaism for Everyone! MEETS THURSDAYS BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 27, 7:30 P.M. ROOM ALEPH This course, taught by all the Beth Am clergy, is for anyone who wishes to learn (or re-learn) more about Judaism. All are welcome: non-jews, Jews, interfaith couples or those considering conversion. Students will learn the basics of Judaism in a friendly and informal atmosphere. We ll explore fundamental aspects of Jewish practices, such as holiday observance and lifecycle celebrations. We ll also discuss Jewish understandings of God and religious beliefs, important Jewish texts, Jewish history, literature and the significance of Israel in Judaism today. Many classes will also include an experiential hands-on activity. Building Blocks will meet at Beth Am on Thursday evenings beginning September 27, 2018 and concluding March 21, The class, open to both members of the congregation and non-members, will also include a Friday evening Shabbat experience at Beth Am as well as two field trips. Please note that you can sign up for the entire year, or the Fall and Winter semesters individually. For more information and/or to register, please visit the Lehrhaus Judaica website at lehrhaus.org. Questions? Please contact Rabbi Heath Watenmaker at (650) or rabbi_watenmaker@betham.org. Farewell to Dean Oja SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12: SHABBAT SERVICE, 6:15 P.M., SANCTUARY; ONEG SHABBAT, 7:30 P.M., SOCIAL HALL After nearly 20 years, we will be saying so long to Dean Oja, our Facilities Supervisor, who will be retiring in October. Please join in honoring Dean for his years of service to Beth Am. We will offer a tribute during the Shabbat service and host a festive Oneg Shabbat in his honor. PAGE 3

4 Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY CONGREGATION BETH SEPTEMBER 2018 For a more detailed calendar, visit 10:30 B nei Mitzvah Service: Feinstein/Bryman 7:30 S lichot Service 1 2 LABOR DAY BETH CLOSED :00 Confirmation Info. Night 7:30 High Holy Day Choir 1:00 BAW Book Club 4:00 Hagigah Begins 6:30 Ballroom Dancing 7:00 BAW Book Club 8:00 Thursday Morning Minyan 7:00 BAW Board Meeting 7:30 Board Meeting 5:15 Tot Shabbat 6:15 Shabbat Outdoor Service: Speaker Stephanie Martinson EREV ROSH HASHANAH 10:30 Jewish Baby Network Rosh Hashanah Celebration (Juana Briones Park) 8:00 Erev Rosh Hashanah Service (at Redemption) 8:00 Family Volunteer Opportunity With LifeMoves 10:00 Madrichim Training EREV SUKKOT 9:00 Beit Midrash Begins 9:00 Sunday Program Begins 11:30 Zimriyah Jr. Choir Begins 11:45 Lunch & Learn Begins 11:45 Sunday Afternoon Hebrew Program Begins 3:30 Jewish Baby Network Sukkot Celebration (PJCC) EREV SIMCHAT TORAH 9:00 Beit Midrash 9:00 K-1 Family Education 9:00 Sunday Program 10:30 Chicken Soupers 11:45 Camp Beth Am 11:45 Sunday Afternoon Hebrew 5:00 Simchat Torah Celebration (Beth Am Sanctuary) ROSH HASHANAH DAY ROSH HASHANAH DAY 1 15 OFFICE CLOSED 6:15 Beit R fuah 6:30 Ballroom Dancing 7:00 B Photography Group KOL NIDRE OFFICE CLOSED AT YOM KIPPUR (SERVICES & EVENTS AT REDEMPTION) :00 Sukkah Building with :00 NOON 8:00 Kol Nidre Service (at Redemption) 10:00 Yom Kippur Morning Service 10:00 Teen HHD Program 1:30 Yom Kippur Study Sessions 1:30 Yom Kippur Service for Families w/young Children 2:30 Music & Meditation 3:30 Afternoon Service 4:45 Yizkor & N eilah (Concluding) Service 8:00 Thursday Morning Minyan 7:30 High Holy Day Choir 8:00 Thursday Morning Minyan 7:00 BAW Mah Jongg 6:15 Shabbat Shuvah Service & Memorial Plaque Dedication (Beth Am Sanctuary & Outdoor Chapel) Beth Am Men 6:15 Shabbat Service in the Round 10:15 Torah Miyan 10:30 B not Mitzvah Service: Weiss/Weiss 10:30 B not Mitzvah Service: Stotland/Levenston SUKKOT :00 Thursday Morning Minyan :00 B Breakfast 29 4:00 Hagigah 6:15 Erev Shabbat Service: 9:15 Sukkot for Families with 6:00 Confirmation Class 4:00 Wednesday Hebrew Program With Speaker Amy Asin Young Children 7:30 Building Blocks of Judaism and T filah Begin Class Begins and Zimriyah Jr. Choir 5:30 Development Committee 7:30 Executive Committee 7:30 Oneg Shabbat 10:30 B not Mitzvah Service: 6:00 FS2S Cabinet Meeting Meeting (sponsored by Marian Schwartz/Levine 6:30 Ballroom Dancing Sagan & Tony D Esopo) 3:00 BAJY S mores in the Sukkah 7:30 JBN Board Meeting 6:00 BATY S mores & Havdalah in the Sukkah 30 OFFICE CLOSED (RH SERVICES AT REDEMPTION) 10:00 Rosh Hashanah Morning Service 10:00 Teen HHD Program 1:30 Service for Families with Young Children 4:00 Tashlikh (at Baylands)

5 Sh ma Groups Fall Rollout Beth Am s Small Groups Initiative is Growing! Sh ma Groups are peer-led community groups in which 8-15 people meet regularly to build relationships, deepen connections and grow Jewishly together through meaningful, structured conversations in members homes. This fall, we are offering a number of opportunities to get involved in Sh ma Groups: taste of sh ma groups for new members sunday, september 16, social hall: New members are encouraged to come get to know Beth Am and each other through this interactive taste of Sh ma Groups, designed to bring new members together. taste of sh ma groups for sunday program parents sunday, september 30, social hall: Experience a taste of the Sh ma Groups and learn more about new Sh ma Groups forming for parents of Sunday Program-age children. new sh ma groups! Beginning in September, we will be forming new Sh ma Groups. If you would like to start a new group, become a Guide (a group leader) or learn about these new groups, please complete the Sh ma Groups Interest Form available at betham.org/ Shma5779, or shmagroups@betham.org. A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT STANDING UP BY SITTING DOWN During the High Holy Days, the story is often told of Sandy Koufax, the incredible Dodgers pitcher who declined to pitch the first game of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur. Athletes of other faiths have demonstrated a similar commitment, like the Scottish sprinter Eric Liddell, who missed the chance to medal in the 100 meters at the 1924 Olympics when his heat was scheduled on a Sunday, a day he honored as the Sabbath. Or Amir Khan, the British boxer, who missed a major bout because he would not suspend the Ramadan fast to train. These athletes offer proof of the adage that sports do not build character, they reveal it. That revelation becomes important not because athletes are inherently better than anyone else, but because our fascination with sports provides them the opportunity to be role models. Through their examples they can show how to root one s priorities in fundamental values and how to honor the time we all need for introspection as sacred time. The athletes who choose to live lives of principle are often subjects of controversy in the short term, but are honored for their fidelity in the long run. This was the case at the funeral of Muhammad Ali, who was eulogized not only by leaders of his Muslim faith, but also by priests and rabbis who knew him well. Even at the end, he was a role model, extolling the virtue of inclusion in the very memorial that he planned. L Shalom, Bruce Ives President@betham.org BETH RECEIVES A Homeland Security Grant Facilities Improvement Projects Underway Last year, Beth Am applied for and was awarded a Nonprofit Security Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Grant funds ($75,000) will be used for four projects: Applying protective film to large glass windows Adding double-sided door locks to classrooms Installing surveillance cameras at key points around campus, and Installing a gate at the front entrance, so the campus can be closed if needed. These projects were prioritized based on a security assessment and will help strengthen our infrastructure in the current environment. In addition to those efforts, we are beginning to implement other smallscale capital projects, some of which are part of the From Strength to Strength campaign. The bima ramp in the Sanctuary will be ready by the end of the summer to help mobility-challenged members. Other projects are intended to improve accessibility and maintain security for our community in years to come. PAGE 6

6 BETH WOMEN Annual Kickoff Evening With Guest Speaker Rebecca Alexander SAVE THE DATE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 6:15 P.M. SOCIAL HALL Come be inspired by nationallyrenowned author Rebecca Alexander, who will speak about her book Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found an uplifting reflection on living with Usher Syndrome type III, dealing with adversity and appreciating each day for what it brings. Though slowly losing her sight and hearing, Ms. Alexander zestfully embraces life as a psychotherapist, disability rights advocate, extreme athlete, volunteer and Lululemon Ambassador. She has made numerous television and radio appearances, including the Today Show, The Meredith Vieira Show, PBS and ESPN. Her eyes and ears may be declining, but Rebecca s sense of self is sharply focused and profoundly tuned. By sharing her life, she has enriched mine and will yours, too. I love this woman. Meredith Vieira, The Meredith Vieira Show Preceding Ms. Alexander s talk, there will be a reception with wine and substantial hors d oeuvres. Following her talk, there will be a dessert reception. Meet and chat with friends, old and new! Please stay tuned for event registration information. S mores in the Sukkah For BAJY (6th-8th Graders) & BATY (9th-12th Graders) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: BAJY 3-5 P.M.; BATY 6-8 P.M. BETH SUKKAH two chances to roast s mores in the beth am sukkah: Our middle school students (anyone in 6th-8th grades) will gather from 3-5 p.m. and our high school students (anyone in 9th-12th grades) will come together from 6-8 p.m. as we kick off another great year of teen programming at Beth Am! We ll play some games, eat some s mores and make new friends. (BATY will also celebrate Havdalah.) These events are FREE for all Beth Am members, but you need to RSVP using the online form at betham.org/sukkahsmores. If you have questions, please Beth Am s Youth Advisor Alana Green at agreen@betham.org. Are you a philanthropist? Yes, you are! Philanthropist is a term that some may consider only for the very wealthy, the donors who make the news or whose names grace the buildings of charitable institutions. And while those major donors help make wonderful things happen in our community, we often forget that the definition of philanthropy is much more inclusive: the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. Our congregation is filled with philanthropists including YOU. Beth Am was built and is sustained by the gifts of time, talent and financial resources offered by our members for over 60 years. When each of us came here, we found a community and a campus filled with opportunities for us and for our families. Now, it is our responsibility to ensure that the next 60 years are just as wonderful for the generations who are growing up now or haven t even been born yet. That s why we encourage all Beth Am members to consider planning a legacy gift to Beth Am. What is a legacy gift? Legacy gifts are those, such as arranging a gift in your will or naming Beth Am as a partial beneficiary of a retirement account, which you have prearranged to go to Beth Am after your death. Legacy gifts (also known as Planned Gifts ) carry on the support you have given to Beth Am during your lifetime, which our community has come to count on. Legacy giving is for everyone, not just the very wealthy. Judaism teaches us to accept that we are mortal, to make responsible preparations and to be generous. Our traditions encourage us to make decisions that reflect our values and guide the generations that come after us. To ask questions about legacy giving, please contact Mandy Eisner, Director of Development, at meisner@betham.org or (650) , x211. You can also find helpful resources on our website at betham.org/legacygiving. PAGE 7

7 50% Recycled Chlorine Free Printing CONGREGATION BETH Arastradero Road Los Altos Hills, CA NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #121 CONGREGATION BETH LOS ALTOS HILLS, CA PRESENTATION BY Y ASIN Reflections on Synagogue Life in North America FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 6:15 P.M., SANCTUARY* As the Union for Reform Judaism s Vice President for Strengthening Congregations, Amy s team works to help the URJ s 850+ congregations strengthen themselves so that they will be relevant and effective now and in the future. In this work she has visited hundreds of congregations and met with thousands of leaders, discussing and addressing the challenges of synagogue life today. She will reflect on the challenges and what she sees working particularly well. Her travel leaves her optimistic about congregations and always happy to return home to Beth Am for Shabbat. Amy Asin is a past president of Beth Am. In her role as Vice President, Strengthening Congregations, she leads the URJ s initiatives in Strengthening Congregations, one of the four priorities of the URJ s 2020 Vision. She is guiding initiatives in leadership development, congregational innovation, congregational networking, and transition and crisis management. She is a thought leader and frequent speaker in the area of congregational life. Israel in the Mind of the Media Beth Am Welcomes Josh Block, CEO and President, The Israel Project FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 6:15, SERVICE IN THE SANCTUARY* POLTAVA DINNER IN THE SOCIAL HALL Israel s enemies are pouring massive resources into a media war with unscrupulous sophistication designed to turn audiences against Israel. Their goal is to demonize Israel, gain popular support to shape policies that sabotage its economic and cultural vibrancy, isolate it on the world stage, and Josh Block is the son of Rabbi ultimately delegitimize the concept of the Emeritus Rick & Susie Block modern nation state of the Jewish people. Please join an important conversation with Josh Block, CEO & President of The Israel Project (TIP), a non-partisan American educational organization dedicated to informing the media and public conversation about Israel and the Middle East. Learn the role that TIP plays in standing up for Jewish values and our people by working to bring integrity and facts to press coverage about Israel. After the service, enjoy discussion with our speaker and a delicious dinner prepared by the Poltava Committee. Please sign up for the dinner by Tuesday, October 2 at betham.org/ BlockDinner. (All proceeds from the dinner will support our awardwinning sister synagogue in Ukraine, Beth Am of Poltava, as well as the WUPJ rabbinic studies program in Moscow.) *This service will be live video streamed. By entering the Sanctuary, you give Beth Am permission to record you.