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Contents

*** denotes a new item listed

Highlights

General Beth El Information

Beth El Judaica Shop

Education

Green Tikkun

Men’s Club

Refuah Shleimah

Senior Caucus

Services

Sisterhood/Zhava

Youth Activities

Community Notes


 

Congregation Beth El

8215 Old Georgetown Road

Bethesda, MD 20814

Phone: 301-652-2606

Fax: 301-907-8559

 

HIGHLIGHTS


ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

 

Join us for the President’s Report, 2013-14 budget presentation, and election of officers and at-large directors to the Board this evening, Tuesday, May 7, at 8:15 pm (immediately after minyan).   An informal reception will follow the meeting. The proposed budget and slate of nominees were mailed to congregants.

 

KOL HANESHAMA FRIDAY EVENING SERVICE***

 Join us this Friday, May 10, at 6:30 pm, for a lively, interactive, lay-led service that blends tradition and creativity. It features the melodies of Shlomo Carlebach and contemporary Jewish artists, as well as melodies that are heard at innovative congregations in the United States and Israel, such as B'nai Jeshurun in New York and Shira Chadasha in Jerusalem. The service includes musical instruments during the Kabbalat Shabbat portion of the service. A traditional service will take place in the Library, also at 6:30 pm.

 

ZHAVA LEARNERS’ SERVICE

 

Join us on Saturday, May 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, in the Swoff Chapel, when clergy will teach the format of the service, techniques for learning, and new music.  Different parts of the service will be highlighted each time we meet.  What to do with your children while taking advantage of this learning opportunity?  Nitzanim (6 years and under), Shitufim (2nd - 4th grades), and Junior Congregation (5th through 7th grades) also meet every second Shabbat of the month.  If your kids are more comfortable being with you, games and other Shabbat-appropriate activities for quiet play will be provided.  Sponsored by Zhava and open to all.  Informal, come as you are! This is the last Learners’ Service until the fall, when it will resume on the second Shabbat of each month.

 

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL LECTURE

 

Join us on Sunday, May 12, at 7:30 pm, for a talk by renowned biblical scholar Robert Alter. Professor Alter teaches Hebrew Language and Comparative Literature at UC-Berkeley. He has written 23 books, including “The Five Books of Moses: A Translation with Commentary,” and “The Art of Biblical Narrative,” which has won many awards and changed biblical scholarship.  Dr. Alter will reflect on his latest book, "Ancient Israel: The Former Prophets." Admission is free.

 

“GOD TALK” WITH RABBI HARRIS***

 

Join Rabbi Harris on Tuesday, May 14, from 8:30 to 9:30 am, at La Madeleine (7607 Old Georgetown Rd.) and explore ideas with him about God and spirituality on alternative Tuesdays.  This is an open conversation; all are welcome!

 

TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT

 

Join our traditional Shavuot Eve Nighttime Study Session for adults and children on Tuesday, May 14.  Everyone is welcome to join us for all or part of the evening.  Following Mincha at 6:30 pm and a light dairy dinner, the adult program will continue past Midnight for those who wish to do so.  Noshes, including the cheesecake, will be available throughout the evening. There will be a separate program from 6:30 to 8:00 pm for all children from Kindergarten through 12th grade.  Dinner RSVP forms are available in the May Scroll; RSVP by Wednesday morning, May 8.  For more information, contact Elisha Frumkin at efrumkin@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 319.

 

      Shavuot Services:

  • First Day: Tuesday, May 14, Mincha at 6:30 pm; Ma’ariv at 8:00 pm; Wednesday, May 15, 9:30 am; the Nitzanim Bikkurim Service will take place at 10:30 am in the Multi-Purpose Room. 
  • Second Day: Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 pm; Thursday, May 16, 7:00 and 9:30 am (Yizkor will be recited at both morning services).  Our Religious School Confirmation will take place during the 9:30 am service.

 

      Note:  Beth El offices and schools will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, May 15 and 16.

 

CELEBRATE RABBI HARRIS’S 10 YEARS AT BETH EL

 

Join us on Friday, May 31, at 7:30 pm, to celebrate the ten years Rabbi Greg and Rebekah Harris and family have been part of our congregation. There will be a special Friday evening service at 7:30 pm followed by a dessert reception. This is no charge but reservations are required.  RSVP form can be found in the main office, lobby lucite holders, and April Scroll (p. 6), or RSVP to info@bethelmc.org.  A Tribute Book will be presented to Rabbi Harris that evening from the Beth El community.  Everyone is encouraged to participate.  Please submit an 8.5”x11” page, ideally via pdf file.  The pdf page can include pictures, photos of children’s artwork, written text poems, etc.  Be creative with your page design and submit no later than Monday, May 13, to Jill Rider at info@bethelmc.org.  Can’t do a pdf file?  Please contact Jill for alternative arrangements.

 

2013 BETH EL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY NOW AVAILABLE

 

Pick up your directory the next time you are at shul (and help us limit the postage expense). Office hours are: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Sunday (when Religious School is in session), 9:00 am to Noon. 

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GENERAL BETH EL INFORMATION


WEEKDAY MORNING MINYAN

 

Beth El's schedule of services includes a daily morning minyan, Monday through Friday at 7:30 am.  Please consider attending services in the morning to assist with making a minyan.  Torah is read on Monday and Thursday mornings.  This is a good way to start your day; a light breakfast follows the service. Please note the exceptions for Shavuot listed in the Highlights above.

 

WEEKDAY EVENING MINYAN

 

Weekly minyan assignments are e-mailed to congregants in alphabetical order over the course of the year to encourage attendance so that there will always be an evening minyan at Beth El.  Please try to join us at 8:00 pm for 20 minutes during your assigned week. For the week of May 12 to 16, assignments are for those families with surnames from Florin to Futterman. Please note the exceptions for Shavuot listed in the Highlights above.

 

SPONSOR A KIDDUSH

 

Celebrate a special day or remember a loved one by sponsoring a kiddush on a Shabbat or Festival when there are no B’nai Mitzvah. Through June, there are two available dates: May 15 (Shavuot 1st day), and June 29.  Hospitality kiddushim sponsorships cost $250, $350, or $425, depending on the menu selected, and include the congregation and up to 15 of your own guests. Sponsorships may be shared. To sponsor a kiddush or to obtain more info about sponsorship and menus, please contact Sisterhood Catering Chair Barbara Friedman at info@bethelmc.org.   

 

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER OPEN HOUSE***

 

Know anyone who is looking for a warm and welcoming synagogue community? Point them toward our prospective member open house on Sunday, May 19, from 10:30 am to Noon, where they will be able to meet our leadership and learn more about Beth El.

 

LOOKING FOR TORAH READERS***

 

We are looking for Torah readers for the main Shabbat service on Saturday, May 25, at 9:30 am, and also for selected Shabbatot in June, July, and August.  Please contact Nancie at ntajip@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 302.

 

AUDITIONS FOR MARAK HAYOM***

 

Are you a rising or current high school student? Do you love to sing? And are you available Sunday mornings for rehearsals and flexible during the year for gigs? If so, consider joining Marak HaYom, Beth El's teen-run Jewish A Cappella group. Auditions will be held on Sunday, May 19, at 10:00 am at 7818 Overhill Road, Bethesda.  RSVP to Tanya Silverstein at info@bethelmc.org.

 

STUDY SESSIONS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS

 

All Beth El scientists or engineers (or anyone in STEM) are invited to get together to study with Beth El's clergy on issues related to our work.  We will meet one another, build our connection to our congregational community, and engage in these innovative learning sessions.   We will meet every 3-4 months at rotating locations.  If you would like to learn more, please email Arthur Popper at info@bethelmc.org.

 

FAMILY TRIP TO ISRAEL WITH RABBI HARRIS

 

Join Rabbi Greg and Rebekah Harris for an incredible Family Mission to Israel, July 9 – 19, 2013. Travelling to Israel is a remarkable adventure. This family-oriented trip will be a wonderful tour, seeing Israel as both the land of our ancestors and a modern country. Visit http://youtu.be/bzmvLQlrhfU and contact Rabbi Harris at gharris@bethelmc.org or 301-652-2606, ext. 305.

 


WHAT’S HAPPENING AT BETH EL


BETH EL JUDAICA SHOP

 

Sleep-away camp is just around the corner – new products are here!  New Mah Jongg items have arrived!  Be sure to check them out! 

 

Regular shop hours (when Religious School is in session): Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:15 pm, and Sundays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

 

Volunteer to work in the shop and receive a 10% discount on purchases you make during your shift.  Contact Michelle Gips at info@bethelmc.org or Mindy Davis at info@bethelmc.org to volunteer, make an appointment, or for more information.   


EDUCATION

 

A TASTE OF TALMUD

 

This class, taught by Adjunct Rabbi David Abramson, meets every Tuesday morning year-round (except for Jewish holidays) at approximately 8:15 am following morning minyan.  There is no fee.  All are welcome. 


GREEN TIKKUN

 

PAPER SHREDDING RETURNS TO BETH EL!

 

Get rid of all those sensitive documents you've been hoarding needlessly for decades!  Office Paper Systems is performing a public service at Beth El on Sunday, May 19, from 10:00 am to Noon (two hours only!).  No limit on boxes, but if you hold up the line you may not get to watch your stuff being shredded.  Everything handled securely and recycled.  Donations to Green Tikkun are welcome.   For more information, contact Michele Lieban Levine at info@bethelmc.org.


MEN’S CLUB

 

MEN’S CLUB BREAKFAST***

 

Join the Men’s Club on Sunday, May 12, at 9:30 am, for breakfast.  There will be no Men’s Club program this week

 

Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 19, at 10:00 am when Rosemary Gibson, author and national leader in U.S. health care, discusses her book (published in April), “Medicare Meltdown: How Wall Street and Washington are Ruining Medicare and How to Fix it.”  The presentation is co-sponsored by Sisterhood. 

 

SEABOARD REGION “IT’S ACADEMIC” TRIVIA COMPETITION

 

The Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs Seaboard Region is hosting an inter-club “It’s Academic” trivia competition.  It is an elimination tournament with a plaque going to the winning team.  It will consist of 1/3 Judaica questions and 2/3 general knowledge.  Teams will be limited to 3 members with no substitutions allowed; a club can have more than one team.  Entry deadline is no later than Monday, May 13 - dates/times for the event are TBD based upon team-determined availability. Please contact Howie Stein (info@bethelmc.org) ASAP if you are interested in representing the shul and having fun meeting people from other local synagogues!  


REFUAH SHLEIMAH

Refuah Shleimah:  Have you ever found out about someone’s illness or surgery after the fact and, if you had known earlier, you would have sent a card, called, visited or helped them in some way?  In keeping with the Jewish value of bikkur cholim (caring for the sick), Beth El has a weekly Refuah Shleimah (complete healing) list that is included in the weekly Tuesday listserv announcements and in the hard copy Shabbat announcements.  Names will be included for the duration of the illness or for four weeks, whichever period is shorter.  While we hope congregants will participate, we recognize that not everyone may want his/her name included.  Therefore, we will accept names only from the person him/herself, or an immediate family member, and details of the illness will not be disclosed.  To be included on the list, please contact the clergy or the main office at 301-652-2606. 


SENIOR CAUCUS

SENIOR CAUCUS LUNCHEON

 

Join Senior Caucus for their monthly luncheon this Thursday, May 9, at Noon.  Following lunch, join us for the WPAS-sponsored performance of Mark Hanak, a renowned pianist and entertainer, who will present “Hooray for Hollywood!”  Join in the fun and sing popular songs from movies of the 1930’s and 1940’s.  Lunch is $8; RSVP to Ricardo Munster at 301-652-2606, ext. 316, or rmunster@bethelmc.org  by Wednesday morning, May 8.  Program itself is free and begins around 1:00 pm.

 

BRIDGE MEETS TWICE A WEEK

 

Enjoy a friendly afternoon of bridge (almost) every Monday and Thursday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm. The next session will be on Monday, May 13.  Please note: There will be no bridge on Thursdays, May 9 and 16, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 27.  No partner or RSVP is needed. This program is sponsored by Beth El’s Senior Caucus. For more information, please contact Ricardo Munster at rmunster@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 316.

 

FUN ART CLASS FOR SENIORS***

 

Join this relaxing art class on Tuesday, May 14, at 1:30 pm, and discover your hidden talent!  Don’t miss this free monthly activity, with a limited number of spaces.  All materials will be provided by our talented art instructor, Jerry Ross.  Call Ricardo Munster to reserve your spot by Friday, May 10, at 301-652-8569, ext. 316 or rmunster@bethelmc.org as the first class is fast approaching!

 

NEED A RIDE TO SHUL?

 

A generous benefactor is enabling Beth El to offer free taxi rides to senior members to facilitate attendance at services, lectures, and other programs at the shul.  To arrange a ride, please contact Ricardo Munster at rmunster@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 316, at least four days in advance.  Our thanks to the donors, Senior Caucus, and the Center for Community Engagement for helping create this important new service for our congregation.

 

SENIOR INFORMATION LINE

 

If you want to know what’s going on at Beth El and don’t have a computer, you can now find out by calling our Senior Information Line at 301-652-8569, ext. 200.  Hear all about our main activities during the month.  For more details, contact the main office at 301-652-2606.


SERVICES

 

SHABBAT MINCHA, SEUDAH SHLISHIT, MA’ARIV, AND HAVDALAH***

 

Join us on Saturday, May 18, at 7:30 pm for this moving conclusion to Shabbat and welcoming of the new week.   

 

PRAYERS AND SONGS OF COMFORT, HEALING, AND RENEWAL SPECIAL SERVICE

 

Music-suffused traditions have long served to comfort us in the face of life’s challenges and to help us find renewal when we, or others we know, are confronted by emotional, physical, or spiritual pain.  In recognition of this truism, congregants Evan Krame and Scott Glick have created a new service meant to engage the Beth El community.  Join us on Sunday, May 19, at 7:15 pm in an exploration of faith, comfort, and healing through liturgies, melodies, and poetry of Jewish music.  Songs will include some by the legendary Debbie Friedmanz”l, who gave the world Jewish music that is transformative, offering joy and comfort, hope and faith, healing and inspiration.  The regular Ma’ariv service will take place immediately afterwards at 8:00 pm


SISTERHOOD/ZHAVA

 

MAH JONGG NIGHT

 

Join us (almost) every Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm.  Beginning and experienced players welcome!  RSVP to Nancy Kay at info@bethelmc.org.  Mah Jongg will not meet this evening (Annual Congregational Meeting) or Tuesday, May 14, Shavuot); they will meet next on Tuesday, May 21.

 

PERSONALIZED JEWISH NEW YEAR CARDS – SPECIAL OFFER

 

Checkerboard, along with Sisterhood, is offering free printed return address flaps on all orders placed by August 12.  For more information, contact Marilyn Hammerman at info@bethelmc.org.   


YOUTH ACTIVITIES

 

TEEN SOCIAL ACTION TRIP TO NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

 

We are planning a trip from June 24 - June 27, to New York/New Jersey to help rebuild after Superstorm Sandy. This will be for all current 7th - 11th graders.  For more information, contact Adam at azeren@bethelmc.org.

 

HOME HOSPITALITY NEEDED

 

We are looking for families to host 2 - 4 teens each from Sunday evening, August 4, to Tuesday morning, August 6.  More than 40 high school kids will be wrapping up their summer on USY on Wheels in the DC area.  There is very little you need to do.  Just provide a bed, two breakfasts, and two bag lunches.  You would also need to drop them off each morning and pick them up each evening at Beth El.  If you can help with this wonderful mitzvah, please contact Adam at azeren@bethelmc.org.

 

CALLING ALL CURRENT 5th - 11th GRADERS - A FULL WEEK OF SLEEPAWAY CAMP!

 

Come spend Monday, August 19, through Sunday, August 25, with almost 200 other Jewish kids from across Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and North Carolina, while having the time of your life!  Highlights include a day trip to Hershey Park, a day-long Maccabiah (color war) with sports, wacky relays, and song & banner competitions, a luau/pool party, ropes/challenge course activities, bonfire and song sessions, a community service project, leadership training activities, a beautiful and fun Shabbat experience, games, sports, arts & crafts, free time, and more!  Register here http://seaboardusy.org/calendar/usy-encampmentkamp-kadima-2/.

 

BONIM (K-2nd grades)

  • Sunday, May 19, 11:45 am to 1:30 pm:  Ultimate Fun and Games Day.  Join us for some amazing fun and games like Tug-o-War, Limbo, a Moon Bounce and more. Cost is $10.  Please bring a dairy or parve, nut-free lunch.  RSVP to Sara at Bonim@bethelmc.org.

KADIMA (6th - 7th grades)

  • Saturday, May 18, 9:00 to 11:00 pm:  Saturday Night Outdoor Movie and Ice Cream Party.  Our last event of the year is a movie under the stars with ice cream.  We’ll watch the movie on our inflatable 12 foot high screen.  The event will be at Geoffrey Kulp’s house (6113 Clearwood Road, Bethesda).  NO COST!  RSVP to Danielle at Kadima@bethelmc.org.

 

USY & 8th GRADERS


COMMUNITY NOTES

 

ISRAEL @65 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION***

 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is sponsoring a community Israel@65 Celebration, on Sunday, June 9, Noon to 5:00 pm (rain or shine) at the Union Market in DC.  Metro accessible on the Red Line to NoMa-Gallaudet (New York Avenue) Station; free parking is also available.  Don’t miss this family-friendly Israel celebration featuring entertainment, games and activities for everyone, Israeli Beer and Wine Garden, cooking demonstrations by local chefs, a wide variety of delicious Jewish food, and much, much, more!  Admission is free; open to all!  For more information, visit http://www.shalomdc.org/page.aspx?id=262367.  

 

PJ LIBRARY

 

PJ Library is now available for families throughout the Greater Washington area!  PJ Library (PJ, as in “pajamas”) provides families raising Jewish children from 6 months to 8 years old with a free treasury of high-quality, expertly-selected, and kid-tested, Jewish books or music each month.  PJ Library will mail you a book or CD each month, complemented by an email of ideas for family-friendly events, projects and discussions.  Sign up your family today at www.shalomdc.org/pjlibrary.  If you have questions or if you’d like more information, you can contact Sarah Rabin Spira at pjlibrary@shalomdc.org or call 301-230-7243.


           

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Congregation Beth El is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

 
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