president

Shalom Everyone!

First of all, we would like to thank everyone who attended the “Faeries of the Moonlight” play in Berkeley to show support for Mercedes Cohen.  It always feels so uplifting when a Temple member has a special event and everyone comes out to celebrate!  There will be more such events in the future so stay tuned!

And as we bid farewell to August and look forward to September, along with the High Holidays we will soon be celebrating the secular holiday of Labor Day.  Although we often just think of this holiday as a great excuse to have a three day weekend, it in fact symbolizes a critical milestone for ordinary workers across the world.  Back in the nineteenth century, when businessmen became ever more wealthy and powerful, workers were able to express themselves and call for change through the formation of labor unions.  In those early days, unions insisted on changes to the workplace that we often take for granted today, including a 2 day weekend, an 8 hour work day, the elimination of child labor, safety conditions in the workplace, workers compensation, pensions, and many other benefits.  They did not always succeed (in fact they rarely did before the 1930s) but union organizers and members kept up the fight through thick and thin to provide safer and better lives for hundreds of thousands of workers.  Jewish workers especially played a prominent role in this struggle, including such luminaries as cigar-maker Samuel Gompers, who helped form the American Federation of Labor, along with thousands of Jewish men and women who assisted in strikes, gave speeches, and looked out not only for their own communities but for the wider class of industrial workers.  This Labor Day, let us all be grateful for the benefits we enjoy in the workplace (and those that still need to be enacted) and the sacrifices made by Jewish and non-Jewish workers alike in bringing about those needed changes.   

In other news, 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 shortly and we hope to see everyone there.  Also, High Holiday services will be taking place between September 15 and September 25.  Erev Rosh Hashanah Services will begin on Friday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Rosh Hashanah 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 this Friday, September 1, at 7:30 p.m., hosted 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

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

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

Hello Everyone!

Incredibly, we are now in August.  The summer just seems to fly by so quickly every year.  Thankfully, we can now add the trips and experiences of this summer to our memories, scrapbooks and Facebook and Instagram pages!  

Soon we will all see our little ones back to school (including our Religious School!)  At this time of year, it is critical to keep in mind the importance of educators in our communities.  Although it might look like teachers get the summer off, in reality they are always thinking and preparing for the upcoming school year and the best ways to make learning more fun and exciting.  Judaism especially puts a premium on learning.  The very act of B‘nai Mitzvah is not only reading from the Torah, but engaging and understanding the text of the portion and what it means.  For that reason, it is always important for our community to never forget the importance of teachers, students, and support staff in all of our schools.  This year, when school begins, we can all make a pledge to go the extra mile for our children’s teachers and their classrooms by providing as many of the supplies they requested as possible.  We’re sure you have all seen the teacher wish lists sent out by the districts, so if we all work together, we can help provide everything our kids’ teachers need to start the school year off right!  Because the well educated youth of today is the solid citizenry of tomorrow.   

On a related note, our Religious School will be starting again on August 20, just a few short weeks away.  The teachers and staff are preparing to welcome the kids back to school, and we are in need of volunteers to help get the classrooms ready.  Accordingly, this Sunday, August 13, we will be hosting another volunteer classroom readiness event.  Please come and assist the teachers in making the opening of Religious School for the coming year an unforgettable experience for the Religious School families!  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 on 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.  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

Shalom Everyone!

We hope everyone has been enjoying their summer travels or staycations.  David’s family is actually off on another trip, this time to San Diego, after just coming back from Lake Tahoe.  We would love to hear from other congregants about their adventures as well!

On a more somber note, this past week we observed Tisha B’Av, which according to tradition was the day the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, marking it as one of the saddest days in the Jewish calendar.  Jews around the world often fast, read the Book of Lamentations, and remember other horrific events in Jewish history, including the slaughters of the Crusades and the Holocaust.  Sobering as this day can be, events like Tisha B’Av can also force us to confront the difficulties and tragedies of the past and vow to never let them occur again.  Those dangers still haunt us today, even if they are often on a much less violent scale, such as what recently occurred in Israel with the passage of a bill limiting the authority of the Israeli Supreme Court and sparking mass protests across the country.  Incredibly, the observance of Tisha B’Av carries the lesson of what can happen when the Jewish community is divided against itself, which is sadly what Israel now finds itself facing.  We should all pray that a solution will be proposed that can avoid further tragedy.  

Additionally, we would like to thank all the members who attended the Movie Potluck night this past weekend.  It was a festive affair with plenty of great food, excellent commentary from our own Michael Cohen, along with a wonderful movie going experience.  We are planning similar events in the near future and we will keep you updated.  

For the upcoming month, our Religious School will be starting again on August 20, just a few short weeks away.  The teachers and staff are preparing to welcome the kids back to school and we are in need of volunteers to help get the classrooms ready.  Accordingly, this Sunday, August 6, we will be hosting a volunteer classroom readiness event.  Please come and assist the teachers in making the opening of Religious School for the coming year an unforgettable experience for the Religious School families!  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 on Friday, August 4, 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

Shalom Everyone!

We hope everyone has been enjoying their summer travels or staycations.  David’s family actually just came back from Lake Tahoe, where incredibly there are still piles of snow on the mountains! (Caleb was so excited to see snow for the first time!)  We would love to hear from other congregants about their adventures as well!

On a more somber note, we observe this week Tisha B’Av, which according to tradition was the day the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, marking it as one of the saddest days in the Jewish calendar.  Jews around the world often fast, read the Book of Lamentations, and remember other horrific events in Jewish history, including the slaughters of the Crusades and the Holocaust.  Sobering as this day can be, events like Tisha B’Av can also force us to confront the difficulties and tragedies of the past and vow to never let them occur again.  Those dangers still haunt us today, even if they are often on a much less violent scale, such as what just occurred in Israel with the passage of a bill limiting the authority of the Israeli Supreme Court and sparking mass protests across the country.  Incredibly, the observance of Tisha B’Av carries the lesson of what can happen when the Jewish community is divided against itself, which is sadly what Israel now finds itself facing.  We should all pray that a solution will be proposed that can avoid further tragedy.  

In other news, we would like to thank all of the volunteers who came out to the Temple this past Sunday to help with cutting the weeds around the property.  It is your volunteer efforts that help keep our grounds beautiful!

Also, this upcoming Saturday, July 29 at 4:00 p.m., we will host our Movie Night Potluck with a showing of the classic film The Producers, with our own Michael Cohen providing background, trivia, and other fun facts about the movie.  There will be plenty of snacks and popcorn!  And please bring a main dish, salad or side dish to share.  Then 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. Stay tuned! 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 on Friday, August 5, 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

Hello Everyone!

As we move through the middle of summer, let us all be grateful we live in the Bay Area, which is one of the few places at the moment that is not suffering from the heat waves around the world.  And let us all pray for those who are enduring this heat wave and hope for speedy relief from this unusually hot weather.

And speaking of prayer, this week marks a somber time in the Jewish calendar with Rosh Chodesh Av.  The month of Av has begun and with it the start of the Nine Days, which commemorates, according to tradition, the sacking of the First Temple by Nebuchadnessar and the Babylonians.  Not for the last time, the independent kingdom of Israel was sacked and its inhabitants forced into exile, not to return until Cyrus the Great and the Persians.  The observance of the Nine Days provides the lesson of appreciating what we have and not always concentrating on the negative side of our lives.  The ancient Israelites at the time had their share of problems and disputes but all of that seemed irrelevant once they marched off into exile.  Therefore, in the coming weeks we can acknowledge the woes of the world while also keeping in mind all that keeps us healthy, supported, and loved.    

In other news, we would like to remind everyone that this Sunday, July 23, Temple Beth Hillel will be hosting a volunteer project to help cut the weeds around the property.  The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Please bring gardening gloves and any tools suitable for weed whacking.  The Temple will provide some tools and equipment as well.  We appreciate all your help!

Also, on July 29 at 4:00 p.m. we will host our Movie Night Potluck with a showing of the classic film The Producers, with our own Michael Cohen providing background, trivia, and other fun facts about the movie.  There will be plenty of snacks and popcorn!  Then 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. Stay tuned! 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, July 21 at 7:30 p.m., hosted as always by our own Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney.  We hope to see y’all there.  Thanks 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

Shalom Everyone!

We hope everyone is having a fun summer so far.  From what we hear at Shabbat services, so many families are making up for the lost time of the last few years by traveling to favored destinations.  Whether across California, the East Coast, Europe, Africa, the Pacific, or other exotic locations, travel allows us to recharge, reset, and appreciate all the wonders of the world.  Historically, members of the Jewish community have embraced traveling for opportunities, for escape, and for pleasure.  Even the ancient Israelites wandered all over the Near East before settling in the land of Israel!  This year, if you have not done so already, consider planning a trip, whether close to home or across the world, to reconnect with the world.  And be sure to send lots of pictures!

We have several fun events planned for the rest of the summer!  On July 29 at 4:00 p.m. we will host our Movie Night Potluck with a showing of the classic film The Producers, with our own Michael Cohen providing background, trivia, and other fun facts about the movie.  There will be plenty of snacks and popcorn!  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. Stay tuned! On September 10th Temple Beth Hille 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 on Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m., hosted as always by our own Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney.  We hope to see y’all there.  Thanks 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

Shalom Everyone!

And happy summer! We were so excited to see everyone at the A’s game on Tuesday night! Sadly, there is a strong probability this was the penultimate Jewish Heritage night at the coliseum before the team moves to Las Vegas. Nevertheless, we can think of the old cliche “When G-d closes a door, He opens a window.” Although often attributed to the Bible, it likely originated from the German play “The Winter’s Tale” in 1895. Ever since, it has expressed the desire for hope in the midst of sadness, disappointment, or tragedy. In this case, I recently rediscovered that in addition to the A’s, there are a host of minor league teams in the Bay Area, including the San Jose Giants, Stockton Ports, Fresno Grizzlies, and Sacramento River Cats. Each of these teams, in addition to providing great baseball entertainment, may yet produce the next big super star in Major League Baseball. So when the A’s make their departure, and you don’t feel like seeing the Giants, you can possibly witness history by attending a minor league game and seeing the rising stars of the next generation. Hence, the closed door gives way to an open window. Or in other words, when we put our minds to it, we can see the good in most situations.

Also, next month Temple Beth Hillel will be hosting a series of events to mark July.  First of all, TBH will be hosting a booth at the El Cerrito 4th of July festival on Tuesday, July 4.  Larry has a sign up sheet for those who would like to volunteer their time to help spread the word about our congregation.  Please email me or Larry if you would like to help out.  In addition, on Saturday, July 8 at 5pm sharp  a group of us are meeting in the TBH parking lot and carpooling to see a free showing of “A Room With a View” by the Actor’s Ensemble at Berkeley’s John Hinkel Park.  To sign on for the carpool or with questions, email Jane Kemp at jckemp5674@gmail.com.  And on July 29 at 4:00 p.m. we will host our Movie Night Potluck, with our own Michael Cohen providing background, trivia, and other fun facts about the movie.  There will be plenty of snacks and popcorn!

Finally, the next Shabbat Service will be held on July 7 at 7:30 p.m.  Thanks 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

Shalom Everyone!

The day is finally upon us.  This week we will celebrate the coming of the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year!  Observed since ancient times, the Summer Solstice represents the time when the sun traverses its greatest path through the sky before the days start to get shorter through the rest of the year.  In some parts of the world, notably those near the North Pole, the sun will perform a magic trick by dropping toward the horizon before appearing to bounce up again and starting the new day without ever bringing on the night.  These types of natural phenomena encouraged our ancestors to look to the heavens for inspiration and stability.  Celebrations of the solstice symbolized the certainty of the return of a specific day each year that could be measured by nearly every civilization in the world.  In that sense, amidst all the chaos and uncertainty in this world, there are still a few events that we can rely on with certainty.  For this week, let us all concentrate on the certainties in our lives that can provide us with comfort and even relief.  And then of course, six months from now, we can celebrate the other side of that certainty with the shortest day of the year in the Winter Solstice.   

In other news, coming up on June 27, we have our annual trip to the Oakland Coliseum to watch the A’s play their Jewish Heritage Month game!  If you would like to join us, please contact our office manager Brandy for information about tickets.  We encourage as many of our members to come as we can to show our support for our hometown team and keep the tradition of the Jewish Heritage Month game alive!  

Also, next month Temple Beth Hillel will be hosting a booth at the El Cerrito 4th of July festival on Tuesday, July 4.  Larry has a sign up sheet for those who would like to volunteer their time to help spread the word about our congregation.  Please email me or Larry if you would like to help out.  In addition, on July 8 there will be a free showing of “A Room With a View” by the Actor’s Ensemble at Berkeley’s John Hinkel Park at 6:00 p.m.  To sign on for the carpool or with questions, email Jane Kemp at jckemp5674@gmail.com.  And on July 29 at 4:00 p.m. we will host our Movie Night Potluck, with our own Michael Cohen providing background, trivia, and other fun facts about the movie.  There will be plenty of snacks and popcorn!

Finally, the next Shabbat Service will be held on July 7 at 7:30 p.m.  Thanks 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