Chai Society 60+

Chai Society 60+ is for Beth El members who are age 60 and above and enjoy participating in a variety of activities that are presented by different groups within the synagogue. Our three groups within Chai Society are: Senior Caucus, Beyond BEENs, and NuBEENs. These three groups will now coordinate and publicize activities under the Chai Society 60+ umbrella.

The main goals are to connect people who are in a similar stage of life, to promote Jewish identity and knowledge, and to provide an opportunity to be an active participant in Beth El’s vibrant synagogue community. Please join us for any of our events that you find interesting and make sure you register on the Beth El website or call our office.

Chai Society doesn’t have any membership dues; all are welcome. Please reach out to Katie Friedman, Membership and Engagement Coordinator, to be added to the email distribution list at kfriedman@bethelmc.org.

SENIOR CAUCUS

Many of the events for seniors are organized by the Senior Caucus. Most are held at Beth El during the day.
Programs are typically attended by those age 60+, but all are welcome.
Activities planned for and by seniors are open to everyone, including those who are retired or working, coupled or single, member or non-member of the synagogue.
The usual pattern throughout the year is to have a Lunch and a Program with a speaker or other presentation one month, followed by an informal Coffee with the Clergy discussion the next month. Special events are held occasionally.
Meetings focus on a variety of topics, usually viewed through a Jewish lens. These might include musical entertainment, movies, lectures on historical or current events, personal family history, focus on Israel, holiday celebrations, lunch with pre-school students, text study, and many others.

BEYOND BEENs (Beyond Beth El Empty Nesters)

BEENs was a group formed in 2005 for members who no longer had (or never had) children at home. As years went by, the name was changed to Beyond BEENs.
Programs are held in private homes, at Beth El, and throughout the community.
Beyond BEENs participants share common interests, local cultural and food experiences, celebrate Jewish holidays, and enjoy getting together to connect with each other.

NuBEENs

NuBEENs is a group formed in 2014 to be the “next generation” of empty nesters and other members in the same age cohort. The group is now primarily made up of congregants in their 60s.
NuBEENs participants share cultural and educational experiences, celebrate Jewish holidays, and simply enjoy getting together to socialize and connect.
Activities include holiday events, potluck dinners, hikes, theatre outings, etc.

For information about programs for seniors contact Ricardo Munster at rmunster@bethelmc.org, or Katie Friedman at kfriedman@bethelmc.org. Or call the Beth El office at 301-652-2606.

Upcoming Senior Programs

Feb17

To sign up to receive the monthly email Chai Society Newsletter contact, Tiarra Joslyn at tjoslyn@bethelmc.org.