L’Shana Tova!
The High Holidays have arrived and we could not be more thrilled with the start of the new year. This past Sunday and Monday dozens of members and non-members joined us for in-person services at our synagogue. After the turmoil of the past two years, it felt like a new normal had arrived for our congregation as we all gathered inside, engaged in the service conducted by Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney, and even had a nice social gathering afterward. It was also a treat to have some distinguished guests with us, including El Cerrito Council Member Tessa Rudnick and GRIP Executive Director Ralph Peyton, showing how much of an impact Temple Beth Hillel makes on our community. And of course, we want to express a huge thank you to Elaina Genser for hosting the Holiday Get Together on September 26 and all those who have already contributed to our Food for Thought drive so far this year. All of these contributions reflect the spirit of Temple Beth Hillel and all those who make it possible.
Looking ahead, our Yom Kippur Services will be held next week on October 4 and October 5 (the times can be found below). We are currently trying to put together child care for the services so we will keep all the parents informed. We also encourage all of our members to take this opportunity to commit to a new direction, whether in work, health, family, etc. to either maintain what already works for you or to make your life even better. Whatever your choice, Yom Kippur provides us with the opportunity and incentive to make our own lives and the world a better place.
And for those who wish to make a difference in our own community, we highly encourage you to consider joining the Temple Beth Hillel Board of Directors next year. Our Board is always on the lookout for members who have ideas for the future of the temple and the ability to carry out that vision. And as we have discovered, serving on the Board makes us appreciate how much Temple Beth Hillel means to us and our children.
We are also happy to report that the restart of the Youth Shabbat activity was a wonderful success on September 16. Several families joined us for candle lighting, blessings over wine and challah, storytime, art projects and playing on the play structure. The parents were deeply appreciative and were very interested in coming back for more activities. Therefore, David and his family will be hosting Youth Shabbat events on the second Shabbat of each month. The next one will be on October 21. Please help spread the word so families can come have fun and see the excitement involved with our Temple.
In other exciting news, for the first time in three years we will be having an in-person Bar Mitzvah service in the third week of October. Our own Chase McCrary will be welcomed into our congregation as a Jewish adult. We encourage everyone to attend this historic occasion to celebrate the return of such an amazing ritual to our sanctuary. In addition, this past week we welcomed our new Office Manager, Brandy Mahrt. She has a long history with the temple and it is such a privilege that she is now keeping our office running smoothly. Feel free to stop by the office to say hello.
Finally, our next Shabbat service will be on Friday, October 7. Torah study will be Saturdays at 10:15 AM. You can join either in-person or on Zoom. And as always, those who wish to join Tefillah services at the Religious School are welcome on any Sunday at 9:30 AM. The Religious School families often only see each other and it would be nice for them to get to know other members of the Temple as well. Shalom and L’Shana Tova!
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Anna B Stein and David Zimring, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel
From the Presidents – September 29, 2022
September 29, 2022 by tbhrich • president
L’Shana Tova!
The High Holidays have arrived and we could not be more thrilled with the start of the new year. This past Sunday and Monday dozens of members and non-members joined us for in-person services at our synagogue. After the turmoil of the past two years, it felt like a new normal had arrived for our congregation as we all gathered inside, engaged in the service conducted by Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney, and even had a nice social gathering afterward. It was also a treat to have some distinguished guests with us, including El Cerrito Council Member Tessa Rudnick and GRIP Executive Director Ralph Peyton, showing how much of an impact Temple Beth Hillel makes on our community. And of course, we want to express a huge thank you to Elaina Genser for hosting the Holiday Get Together on September 26 and all those who have already contributed to our Food for Thought drive so far this year. All of these contributions reflect the spirit of Temple Beth Hillel and all those who make it possible.
Looking ahead, our Yom Kippur Services will be held next week on October 4 and October 5 (the times can be found below). We are currently trying to put together child care for the services so we will keep all the parents informed. We also encourage all of our members to take this opportunity to commit to a new direction, whether in work, health, family, etc. to either maintain what already works for you or to make your life even better. Whatever your choice, Yom Kippur provides us with the opportunity and incentive to make our own lives and the world a better place.
And for those who wish to make a difference in our own community, we highly encourage you to consider joining the Temple Beth Hillel Board of Directors next year. Our Board is always on the lookout for members who have ideas for the future of the temple and the ability to carry out that vision. And as we have discovered, serving on the Board makes us appreciate how much Temple Beth Hillel means to us and our children.
We are also happy to report that the restart of the Youth Shabbat activity was a wonderful success on September 16. Several families joined us for candle lighting, blessings over wine and challah, storytime, art projects and playing on the play structure. The parents were deeply appreciative and were very interested in coming back for more activities. Therefore, David and his family will be hosting Youth Shabbat events on the second Shabbat of each month. The next one will be on October 21. Please help spread the word so families can come have fun and see the excitement involved with our Temple.
In other exciting news, for the first time in three years we will be having an in-person Bar Mitzvah service in the third week of October. Our own Chase McCrary will be welcomed into our congregation as a Jewish adult. We encourage everyone to attend this historic occasion to celebrate the return of such an amazing ritual to our sanctuary. In addition, this past week we welcomed our new Office Manager, Brandy Mahrt. She has a long history with the temple and it is such a privilege that she is now keeping our office running smoothly. Feel free to stop by the office to say hello.
Finally, our next Shabbat service will be on Friday, October 7. Torah study will be Saturdays at 10:15 AM. You can join either in-person or on Zoom. And as always, those who wish to join Tefillah services at the Religious School are welcome on any Sunday at 9:30 AM. The Religious School families often only see each other and it would be nice for them to get to know other members of the Temple as well. Shalom and L’Shana Tova!
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel
~ Anna B Stein and David Zimring, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel