JOINT CONCERT WITH ST. JANE DE CHANTAL
Join us on Sunday, May 18, at 2:00 pm, at St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Church, 9601 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, for “The Psalter: Our Common Prayerbook,” a joint concert with Beth El’s Ahavat Shir and the St. Jane de Chantal Adult Choir, and a special solo performance by Hazzan Lubin. The concert is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be collected to support the church’s Concert and Art Series.
MAZAL TOV TO THE HARRIS FAMILY
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Greg and Rebekah Harris on the birth of their daughter, Shoshana Eve, on Friday afternoon, May 2. Big brother and sister are Benjamin and Maayan Harris. The babynaming ceremony will take place during the Shabbat morning service on June 14.
SENIOR CAUCUS - VATIKKIM THIRD THURSDAY LUNCHEON
Join us on Thursday, May 15, at Noon. Cost is $7 for lunch; call Ricardo Munster at 301-652-8569, ext. 316, by May 13 to RSVP. Following lunch, Senior Caucus and Vatikkim co-sponsor the program at 1:00 pm, featuring the screening of the classic 1927 first talkie movie, “The Jazz Singer,” starring Al Jolson, with introduction and commentary by Seymour Gross. The program (rescheduled from January) is free, together with dessert.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Join us on Thursday, May 15, at 8:15 pm (immediately after minyan), for a State of the Shul report, 2008-09 budget presentation, and election of directors to the Board. The proposed budget and slate of nominees were mailed in early April.
SHABBAT MINCHA, SEUDAH SHLISHIT, MA’ARIV, AND HAVDALAH
Join us for this moving and inspirational conclusion to Shabbat and the welcoming of the new week on Saturday, May 17, at 7:30 pm.
MEN’S CLUB KAVOD AWARDS BREAKFAST
Beth El Men’s Club 2008 Kavod Awards will be presented on Sunday, May 18, at 9:30 am, to honorees David Goodfriend for Service to the Community, Evan Krame for Service to the Jewish Community, and Hal Scheinberg for Service to Beth El. Please make your reservation now to join us to honor these outstanding congregants. RSVP forms are in the Lobby lucite holders and in the May Scroll.
KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS SEEKING A WARM AND WELCOMING SYNAGOGUE COMMUNITY?
The vast majority of our new members tell us that they learned about Beth El through friends or relatives. If you know someone who is considering joining a shul, let them know about our Prospective Member Open House on Sunday, May 18, 10:30 am to Noon. This will be a great opportunity for them to learn more about Beth El and meet our clergy and other leadership. Anyone who joins Beth El for the first time receives a 50% dues discount. There will be another Open House on Sunday, June 1, 10:30 am to Noon.
SPRING YOGA
Join our next class, Sunday, May 18, 6:30 to 7:45 pm, and continues on Sunday evenings through June 15 (excluding May 25 and June 8). This program is for beginners as well as intermediates. Cost is $15/session. Drop-ins are welcome!
AMERICAN JEWISH MILITARY HEROES
The Senior Caucus is planning a tour of the National Museum of American Jewish Military Heroes (1811 R Street, NW) on Tuesday, May 20. Car pools will leave Beth El at 10:00 am. The tour begins at 11:00 am and, upon completion, we will continue by car to the nearby DCJCC for lunch before returning to Beth El. RSVP by May 16 by contacting Ricardo Munster at 301-652-8569, ext 316, or rmunster@bethelmc.org.
SISTERHOOD SAMPLERS AND SOCIALS – “PAMPER YOURSELF”
How would you like to look 10 years younger and 10 pounds thinner? Join us on Tuesday, May 20, at 7:00 pm, and meet television stylist, Kim Foley, as she shares her trade secrets. For more than 25 years, Kim Foley has worked with hundreds of high profile clients including Presidential candidates, celebrities and journalists, etc. She is a dynamic speaker and is passionate about helping women find their “personal best” when it comes to makeup, hairstyle and clothing. Don’t miss this evening of tips, techniques and fun! For more info on Kim Foley, visit www.kimfoleystyle.com. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP
BOOK CLUB HAVURAH
In honor of Israel’s 60th birthday, join us on Tuesday, May 20, at 7:00 pm, for a discussion of “Panther in the Basement,” by Amos Oz. The book is available in the Public Library and Beth El’s Library.
WALK WITH GAIL
Get outside, breathe fresh air, strengthen those bones, stretch those muscles, and enjoy the company of other Beth El women, on Wednesday, May 21, 4:00 to 6:00 pm, at the YMCA outdoor track, weather permitting.
“THE ROLE OF EXERCISE IN CARDIOVASCULAR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT IN ISRAEL”
Join Beth El and the Washington Institute for Israel Health Policy Research on Thursday, May 21, at 8:20 pm (immediately after minyan), when Professor Mickey Scheinowitz will speak on this interesting topic. This is part of our Israel@60 celebration!
HONOR THY (AGING) PARENTS
Did you know that most people will participate in the care-giving process…as a caregiver, recipient of care, or possibly both? If you are concerned about aging issues for a loved one or for yourself, please join us at the next meeting of Honor Thy (Aging) Parents, on Thursday, May 22, at 6:00 pm, in the Family Room.
KOL HANESHAMA SERVICE
Join us at 6:30 pm on Friday, May 23, for our spirited Kol Haneshama service, featuring the melodies of Shlomo Carlebach, Craig Taubman, and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun (musical instruments will be used during Kabbalat Shabbat). A traditional service will also take place at 6:30 pm in the Library.
"CHERISH THY (SPECIAL NEEDS) CHILD"
New Beth El Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs
The B'ruchim Habaim committee is sponsoring a new support group for parents whose children have special needs. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, May 27, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Rabbi Rudolph and Juliet Wolff, a licensed clinical social worker and our JSSA liaison, will facilitate the discussion. All parents of children with special needs are welcome to attend (whether their children are young or adult, whether a diagnosis is uncertain or well established, and for all ranges of special needs, issues, and concerns). Those who are able to attend will determine the format and structure of future meetings.
SECOND ANNUAL TIKKUN OLAM AWARD PRESENTATION
Join us at the 9:15 am service on Shabbat morning, May 31, as we honor Claire Marwick, Peter Novick, Nanci Sundel, and Katie Friedman for their leadership, commitment, and dedication towards Tikkun Olam. Tikkun Olam is a core value of our community and this recognition celebrates diverse efforts.
END OF OUR FISCAL YEAR
Please remember that outstanding balances are due by May 31, the end of the fiscal year. Our ability to reach our projected year-end figures is based on your support and cooperation with this payment schedule. Anyone who needs to extend their payments past this time should contact Sheila Bellack at sbellack@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 306, so that the appropriate adjustments can be made in our records. Your assistance with this is most appreciated.
SISTERHOOD GENERAL MEETING AND ELECTION
Everyone is invited to Sisterhood’s General Meeting and Election on Sunday, June 1, at 10:30 am. Ruth Marcus, Washington Post political analyst and columnist, will speak about insights on the presidential race, “Are we Done Yet?” Sisterhood members and guests (men and women) are encouraged to attend the brief meeting and election and then enjoy the presentation. No reservations are necessary.
ISRAEL@60: A CAPITAL CELEBRATION
On Sunday, June 1, Noon to 5:00 pm, everyone is invited to attend a free birthday celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The event will feature performances by internationally known entertainers and local talent, as well as displays and interactive activities for all ages, designed to highlight the many accomplishments of the State of Israel and the Israeli people. Beth El is a Supporting Organization of this event and is committed to providing volunteers to help that afternoon, especially 5:00 – 6:00 pm for cleanup. If you can donate some of your time, contact congregant Adele Winters at adele.winters@verizon.net or 301-770-1029. Show your pride and support by participating in the largest celebration of Israel's independence ever held in the Washington area! For more info, visit www.shalomdc.org.
NEW ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH CLASS FORMING
If you were able to attend the recent Shabbat service conducted almost entirely by the Adult B’nai Mitzvah class, you know that this is an amazing educational growth opportunity, whether you had a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony or not. The next class begins in the fall of 2008; an 18 month commitment, two Sundays each month, with the emphasis on learning and community building. An organizing meeting will be held on Sunday, June 8, at 10:00 am. If you want to register now or have questions, contact Ricardo Munster at rmunster@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext 316.
IT’S ACADEMIC/CHIDON TANACH!
Join us on Sunday, June 8, at 11:15 am, for a quiz bowl pitting shul groups against each other, as they compete to show who knows more Torah!
TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT.
Join our traditional Shavuot Eve Nighttime Study Session for adults and children, co-sponsored with Adat Shalom, on Sunday, June 8, at Beth El. Clergy and many learned congregants will lead the Adult Program beginning with Mincha at 6:30 pm and continuing past Midnight for those who wish to do so. A dairy dinner will be served at 6:45 pm and noshes will be available throughout the evening. School-age children are encouraged to attend a fun and educational program, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Flyers/Dinner RSVP forms are available in the Lobby lucite holders and will be in the June Scroll. For information, contact Elisha Frumkin at efrumkin@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 319.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!
Celebrate Father’s Day with Beth El, the Frederick Keys, and the Potomac Nationals on Sunday June 15, at 6:00 pm. Box seats are $12 each. Membership in the Men’s Club is not required to attend this event.
TORAH AND HAFTARAH READERS
Those who are interested in reading on Shabbat mornings, new Torah readers, as well as those who have not read Torah recently, are encouraged to contact Hazzan Lubin at 301-652-8569, ext. 317, or alubin@bethelmc.org. We would love to hear from you!