From the Presidents – Aug. 17, 2023
Hello Everyone!
And it has begun! West Contra Costa started the school year this week and we’re sure all the kids are excited (and bummed) about starting the new year! We would love to see pictures of all the kids’ first day and share them among the community. And of course, there will be plenty of pictures come Sunday when the Religious School starts its new year as well! Everyone in the community is welcome to attend the first Religious School Tefillah Service on August 20 at 9:30 a.m. We would love to see you there!
Now that another school year has started, it reminds us about routines. We all have our favorite routines, whether its a nice cup of coffee in the morning, a brisk job in the evening, retelling the day’s events around the dinner table, etc. And of course for our community, celebrating Shabbat service every Friday! At the same time, routines can be disrupted or changed, as when we shift from a summer schedule to a school schedule. It can feel daunting at times but we can always remember that the new routine will eventually be as comfortable as the old most of the time. In the meantime, we can rely on our support networks, family, friends and our community for when we need an added boost of confidence. Let us all extend a helping hand or ask for support when we need it. The best part about community is knowing that in routine or disruptive times, they will always be there for us.
And as we mentioned, the big news is that our Religious School will be starting again on August 20, this upcoming Sunday. The teachers and staff are preparing to welcome the kids back to school and we have exciting projects and events planned. Also, starting on August 19 and continuing through September 4, our own Mercedes Cohen’s play “Faeries of the Moonlight” will be showing at John Hinkel Park in Berkeley every Saturday and Sunday at 4:00 p.m. A carpool “field trip” to this event is in the works and we will fill in more details later. And on September 10th, Temple Beth Hillel will be hosting a booth at the Solano Stroll in Albany and Berkeley. We and the rest of the Board will be volunteering to help spread the word about our wonderful community, and we encourage all members who are able to do so as well. Larry will be sending out sign-up sheets as we get closer to the event.
Finally, the next Shabbat Service will be held this Friday, August 18, at 7:30 p.m., hosted as always by our own Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney. On the same day, Co-President David Z. will also be hosting the first Family Shabbat event of the year at 6:15 p.m., focusing on the ins and outs of Shabbat traditions. Please spread the word! We hope to see y’all there. Thank you everyone!
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 – Aug. 25, 2023
August 25, 2023 by tbhrich • president
Hello Everyone!
And we are off! We would like to thank all of the members who joined us for our Tefillah service and First Day of Religious School Party this past Sunday. It is always so nice to see the Religious School families and general membership interact (especially with pizza and cupcakes!) And there will also be a great time for interaction this Saturday, August 26, when members are invited to see our own Mercedes Cohen’s play “Faeries of the Moonlight” at John Hinkle Park in Berkeley. It starts at 4:00 p.m. but we will also have a carpool for those who need a ride that will meet at the Temple at 2:30 p.m. We hope everyone will be able to join!
Events like these also remind us how important it is for communities to stick together. With so much craziness happening in the world, including wildfires in Maui and even hurricanes drenching southern California(!), being able to rely on only ourselves or immediate families may not always be enough. As we speak, contributions are pouring in to Hawaii to assist those affected by the wildfires while neighbors assisted each other in San Diego when flooding started. We can all do our part as well. We encourage everyone to make a donation to the relief funds in Maui and/or donate supplies to flooded communities in southern California. The day will come when a freak weather event could hit the Bay Area and if/when it does, we will all be grateful knowing that communities around the country will readily assist our own. The world works best and most effectively when it can cooperate rather than conflict. Whether contributions are physical or symbolic, they all make the difference.
In other news, as September is fast approaching we have many exciting events for our congregation. On September 9th there will be a Slichot Potluck at the Temple starting at 7:00 p.m. The following day, September 10th, Temple Beth Hillel will be hosting a booth at the Solano Stroll in Albany and Berkeley. We and the rest of the Board will be volunteering to help spread the word about our wonderful community, and we encourage all members who are able to do so as well. Larry will be sending out sign-up sheets as we get closer to the event. Also, High Holiday services will be taking place between September 15 and September 25. Erev Rosh Hashana Services will begin on Friday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Rosh Hashana Morning Services will be on Saturday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m. The following week, Kol Nidre services will be on Sunday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. and Yom Kippur morning services will occur on Monday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m., with afternoon services beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Finally, the next Shabbat Service will be held on Friday, September 1, at 7:30 p.m., hosted as always by our own Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney. We hope to see y’all there. Thank you everyone!
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